Susan Brownmiller, Feminist Author of ‘Against Our Will,’ Dies at 90

Susan Brownmiller, a pioneering feminist author and activist whose groundbreaking 1975 book Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape transformed public discourse on sexual violence, died on May 24, 2025, in New York City. She was 90. The cause was complications from a fall, according to Emily Jane Goodman, a retired New York State Supreme Court justice and executor of Brownmiller’s estate.

A Voice That Changed the Conversation

Born Susan Warhaftig on February 15, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, Brownmiller began her career as a journalist, working for outlets including Newsweek, The Village Voice, and ABC News. She became a prominent figure in the second-wave feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s, alongside contemporaries like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan.

Her most influential work, Against Our Will, argued that rape is not an act of passion but a tool of power and control used to intimidate and oppress women. The book examined rape across various contexts—including war, prison, and domestic settings—and challenged prevailing myths that blamed victims. It was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the 100 most important books of the 20th century.

Brownmiller’s work spurred significant societal changes, including the establishment of rape crisis centers, legal reforms recognizing marital rape, and increased awareness of sexual violence as a systemic issue.

A Lifelong Commitment to Feminism

Beyond Against Our Will, Brownmiller authored several other books, including Femininity (1984), Waverly Place (1989), and In Our Time: Memoir of a Revolution (1999). She was also a co-founder of Women Against Pornography, an organization that critiqued the portrayal of women in media and its links to sexual violence.

In her later years, Brownmiller taught at Pace University and continued to engage in feminist discourse, offering insights into contemporary movements like #MeToo. She remained a steadfast advocate for women’s rights, emphasizing the importance of accountability and systemic change.

Legacy and Remembrance

Susan Brownmiller’s contributions to feminist thought and activism have left an indelible mark on society. Her fearless examination of sexual violence challenged societal norms and inspired generations to advocate for justice and equality. Her papers are archived at the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America at Harvard University, ensuring that her work will continue to educate and inspire future scholars and activists.

As the world reflects on her passing, Brownmiller is remembered not only for her scholarly contributions but also for her unwavering commitment to amplifying women’s voices and experiences.