Montreal

Gloria Steinem to launch book in Montreal today

Gloria Steinem will speak to a sold-out crowd of about 800 people at the Rialto Theatre in Montreal this evening for the launch of her new book, My Life on the Road.

Writer, feminist and activist to speak to sold-out crowd at Rialto Theatre for launch of new book

Gloria Steinem will speak to a sold-out crowd of about 800 people at the Rialto Theatre in Montreal this evening for the launch of her new book.

Watch the livestream of the event here.

My Life on the Road is Steinem's first book in 20 years.

The event on Dec. 1 is being organized by the Montreal publishing company, Drawn & Quarterly.

"We are unbelievably excited to be bringing the legendary American feminist, journalist and political activist Gloria Steinem to Montreal to launch her new book," Drawn & Quarterly wrote on the event's Facebook page.

Gloria Steinem is set to appear at the Rialto Theatre in Montreal on Tuesday. (Richard Shotwel/Associated Press)
"My Life on the Road (Random House) shares the fascinating and profound story of Steinem's touring life, and the way those tours help her continuously redefine her ethos and interests."

Steinem, 81, travels around the world as an organizer and lecturer and is often a spokeswoman on issues such as equality and justice.

Known as a leader and spokeswoman of the feminist movement in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, Steinem has written best-selling books, produced documentaries and feature films and co-founded magazines and organizations centred on equal rights for women.

CBC live stream

CBC Montreal will be live streaming the event at the Rialto Theatre.

Arts columnist Jeanette Kelly, who will be hosting the event, says she's excited to be able to share a stage with Steinem and moderate a question-and-answer period with the public.

"Gloria Steinem is such an inspiration for all of us who are trying – seemingly endlessly – to take charge of our own lives. She also believes in people talking to each other and building change through grassroots activism," Kelly said.

"I think this is an important approach to hold in 2015 when we're grappling with so many complex and confounding issues. It's great to hear that we can trust each other." 

The event runs from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Audio from the event will also be broadcast on Cinq à Six next Saturday on CBC Radio between 5 and 6 p.m.