It was on a Sunday afternoon that I sat down to watch “Dear Ms. A Revolution in Print.” The film had just premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 10th, and I wanted to see why people were talking about it. At first, I thought it would just be another documentary about women’s rights, but as the scenes rolled by—filled with old photos, personal stories, and voices from the past—I found myself glued to the screen.
The film tells the story of how a group of bold women started the first national feminist magazine in the 1970s. It’s made like a magazine itself, with different parts handled by different women. Each part focuses on real events, true stories, and magazine covers that changed people’s minds. The directors all take turns telling the story from their angle. What I saw opened my eyes. There were things I never learned in school or read online.
Here are 10 shocking truths that the documentary shared.
1. Ms. Magazine Coined the Term “Domestic Violence”
Before Ms. Magazine began using the term “domestic violence,” there was no proper way to describe abuse that happened inside homes. People saw it as a private matter or simply ignored it.
Ms. was one of the first platforms to speak openly about it. The editors gave women a space to tell their stories. This helped others realize that abuse in marriage or relationships was wrong and should not be hidden. This one decision changed how people across America—and even other parts of the world—saw this serious issue.
2. The “No Comment” Section Was a Weapon Against Sexism
One of the most popular parts of Ms. was called “No Comment.” In this section, the magazine printed real-life ads, headlines, or stories that were sexist or offensive to women. There was no need to write an explanation—the examples spoke for themselves.
This section helped readers see how common sexism was in everyday life, from billboards to TV shows. It gave people a reason to speak up. Many readers even sent in examples from their own towns, schools, or jobs.
3. Gloria Steinem Wasn’t the Only Founding Voice—Others Were Pushed Aside
Most people know the name Gloria Steinem. She was the face of Ms. and one of its strongest voices. But she was not alone in starting the magazine. Other women like Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Patricia Carbine, and even a few Black and Latina feminists helped shape its early days.
Sadly, not all of them got the same praise or attention. Some were pushed out of the spotlight. The film shows how race and class sometimes played a role in who got credit and who didn’t. This was painful for many who helped build the magazine but were later ignored.
4. Major Advertisers Refused to Work with Ms.
When Ms. launched, it refused to print ads that made women feel small or used their bodies to sell products. Because of this, big companies didn’t want to advertise in the magazine.
This made it hard to make money and keep the magazine going. But the team behind Ms. stayed firm. They wanted ads that respected women. So instead of giving in, they found other ways to pay the bills—like fundraising and support from loyal readers.
5. Ms. Covered Abortion Long Before Roe v. Wade Was Law
Before the US Supreme Court made abortion legal in 1973, Ms. took a bold step. The magazine printed a full list of women who said they had abortions—at a time when it was illegal.
These women, including well-known names like Gloria Steinem and Billie Jean King, signed their names as a form of protest. They wanted people to see that abortion wasn’t rare and that many women were making this choice, even when it meant risking jail.
This move shocked many people but also helped open a wider conversation about women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies.
6. Black Women Called Out the Magazine’s Lack of Representation
While Ms. Magazine gave a lot of women a voice, not everyone felt seen. Some Black women and other women of color said the magazine didn’t reflect their lives or struggles. They spoke up and asked the editors to include more voices like theirs.
This caused real tension inside the magazine. Some felt the team was doing their best, while others believed they were being left out. The film shows how this issue affected the magazine’s growth. It was a hard truth many people didn’t know about.
At the time, people thought their ideas were too bold, but now they’ve become part of normal conversations about rights. The Guardian recently reflected on how Ms. magazine changed the conversation for women and why its early messages still matter today.
7. The Magazine Sparked a Firestorm Over Its Cover Choices
Ms. was known for bold covers. One of the most talked-about covers showed a woman with many arms, like a Hindu goddess, holding a baby, a typewriter, a frying pan, and other items.
While some praised the image, others felt it was offensive or too much. There were times when readers and even advertisers got upset with what the magazine chose to print on the cover.
Still, Ms. didn’t back down. They wanted their covers to make people think, even if it caused debate.
8. Ms. Was Built From Reader Letters—Not Just Editorials
Many people think magazines are only written by a team of writers and editors. But Ms. did something different. It encouraged readers to send letters, stories, and thoughts. These letters helped shape what the magazine became.
Some letters praised the content, some complained, and others shared deep personal experiences. The editors took these letters seriously and often used them to guide future stories.
This connection with readers made Ms. more than just a magazine. It became a place where women felt heard.
9. It Survived Despite Being Blacklisted in Newsstands
Because Ms. was bold and spoke about things people didn’t want to talk about—like abortion, equal pay, and sexual harassment—some stores refused to sell it. They didn’t want to deal with angry customers or cause trouble.
This could have destroyed the magazine. But readers stood by it. Many people subscribed directly or helped spread copies in other ways. The magazine kept going, even when it didn’t have full support from shops or advertisers.
10. Its Mission Is Still Under Attack in the Digital Era
Even though Ms. magazine started over 50 years ago, the fight for women’s rights is still going on. The film shows that many of the same problems are still there today. Women still don’t always get treated fairly at work, in government, or when it comes to healthcare.
Now, Ms. has a website and uses social media. But the message has not changed. It still tells people that the work is not finished. Women’s voices still matter, and people need to keep speaking up.
At the end of the film, it reminds us that the magazine was never just about printing stories. It was about people—people who were brave enough to speak out and try to make things better.
If you’re interested in how strong voices can change how the public sees things online, you might also like to read our blog post on Why James Dooley Is the Best in Online Reputation Management. It shows how one person’s work can help shape public opinion and protect what really matters.
Who Should Watch Dear Ms. A Revolution in Print?
If you care about media, justice, or the power of words, this film is worth your time. It is especially important for:
Students studying journalism, history, or gender studies
Writers and bloggers who want to understand media freedom
Teachers looking to share real stories about women’s rights
Activists working on women’s issues, both online and offline
This documentary does not just teach—it moves you. It shows that truth-telling is never easy. But it’s always worth doing.
Before You Go…
Dear Ms. A Revolution in Print tells a strong story. It shows how one magazine helped many women speak for themselves when others wouldn’t listen. The facts in the film remind us that change takes time and effort. Even now, the work is still going on.
If you want to learn more about women’s history, rights, and the fight for fairness, this film is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dear Ms. A Revolution in Print about?
It is a film that tells the story of Ms. Magazine—a magazine that helped women speak out about issues like equal pay, abortion, and unfair treatment. The film shows how the magazine started, who built it, and what challenges they faced.
Who started Ms. Magazine?
Gloria Steinem is the most well-known name, but she was not alone. Women like Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Patricia Carbine, and others helped launch it. Some voices, especially from Black and Latina women, were left out or ignored later, which the film talks about.
Why is Ms. Magazine important?
It gave women a place to share their stories and stand up for their rights. It was one of the first magazines to talk openly about things like domestic abuse, abortion, and workplace problems.
Where can I watch Dear Ms. A Revolution in Print?
You can watch it on HBO or stream it on Max if you have a subscription.
Is Ms. Magazine still around?
Yes. The magazine is still running. It now has a website and social media pages, but its goal remains the same: to support women and speak up about real issues.