No. They are not backed my fiat currencies, though they do trade against them. Bitcoin is backed by "proof of work" - ie many large computer networks solving very complex calculations (hash). Steem is backed by human effort in content creation, curations, as well as other activities.....promotion, programing, etc. Ultimately, like any money (even fiat), it is backed by the community (or Market) who perceives it has value.
RE: How I Went From Steem Agnostic to a Steem Believer in 48 Hours or Less