Dear Reader,
The day that the Dobbs decision came down I happened to leave the country. Over two weeks, traveling in Britain and in France, I encountered in almost every conversation great anxiety over the issue of reproductive health care in the United States, and the larger issue of how our nation treats and values women. America, once a leader in this space, was no longer a beacon. It was as disorienting for non-Americans as it was for me. Dobbs had happened to them too.
To help navigate this moment at home, we invited Gloria Steinem to act as special contributing editor to our November issue. Gloria, of course, embodies the fight for women's rights as much as any individual can. She's also historically grounded and a constructive person of action.
Our goal was to paint a picture of our political climate through the lens of culture, leaning into the unique perspective that Vanity Fair brings to the news. With Gloria, we delved into the archives of Ms. magazine, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and assigned Annie Leibovitz to photograph eight women artists across generations who have championed feminist themes and created space in a male-dominated field.
Abigail Tracy and Erin Vanderhoof put their interview skills to use in conversation with activists, lawyers, and physicians in battleground states, where the legislative fight to support abortion rights has kicked into high gear.
And for the cover, journalist Lisa Robinson interviews music sensation Lizzo, who recently made history at the invitation of the Library of Congress, taking a moment onstage to play a crystal flute gifted to James Madison in 1813. It's a powerful artist who can take an object from the past and wholly recast it for the present. Lizzo and Lisa talked about everything from Lizzo's recent donation to Planned Parenthood to her nuanced take on positivity—and yes, her early training as a flautist.
At Vanity Fair, we cherish our ability to present the news with a point of view, to use photography and storytelling to illuminate the issues that matter to us. In times of crisis—and make no mistake, Dobbs signals a crisis—that's the most important service we can provide. We're grateful for your support of our journalism as we look ahead to the midterm elections and seek to keep you engaged, informed, and ready for action.
Radhika Jones
Editor in Chief, Vanity Fair
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