Sally Ride, First American Woman In Space, Is Dead

[Almira]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 5:56pm

R.I.P

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/07/23/157250870/sally-ride-first-american-woman-in-space-is-dead

[Addison D.]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 8:20pm

I knew her name but she was not a major figure on my personal radar. I've spent the past hour reading obituaries and appreciations of this extraordinary woman and I am amazed and impressed by the stories of her intelligence, integrity, grace and wisdom.

Rest in Peace.

Updated On: 7/23/12 at 08:20 PM

[sabrelady]

Posted: 7/23/12 at 9:03pm

She was top-drawer, first class, quality all the way.

I remember that they "rewrote" Ride Captain, Ride" to suit her launch into space.
Ride, Sally ride upon your mystery ship
Be amazed at the friends you have here on your trip
Ride Sally, ride upon your mystery ship
On your way to a world that others might have missed. Even more apropos.
RIP

[sabrelady]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 12:51pm

She never "came out" cos she was never "in".
AND the 1st lesbian in space!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 12:52pm

Her sisters name is Bear Ride. That's both unfortunate and kinda hot.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 1:18pm

How fitting that today is Amelia Earhart's birthday. Courtesy of Google:

[PalJoey]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 9:29pm

Sally Ride was a hero and an inspiration.




She was with her partner for 27 years, but NASA's obituary doesn't mention Tam O'Shaughnessy.



In 2001, Sally and Tam started Sally Ride Science--a company that holds science festivals for middle-school students around the country. And she served on an Obama administration committee that charted a new course for U.S. Human Space Flight in 2009. President Obama called her "a national hero and powerful role model."




But because of DOMA, her widow, Tam, is ineligible to receive any of the federal benefits a heterosexual spouse of 27 years would receive.



A heterosexual couple who had been married in Las Vegas by an Elvis impersonator--they would be eligible for instant benefits.

But a hero and an inspiration? No. Tam is ineligible to collect Sally Ride's federal pension.

REPEAL DOMA.

Updated On: 7/26/12 at 09:29 PM

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 10:22pm

Seriously.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 10:26pm

I wish they could have been married by kd lang dressed as Elvis.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 11:50pm

Sigh, there is so much Gay History out there that isn't common knowledge! There is a lot out there that has gone undocumented because so many were in the closet!

[Jon]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 9:55pm

If she had been "out" in the 80's, she would not have been allowed to go into space. Gays could not get security clearance at that time.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/25/12 at 11:09pm

I realize that Jon. How many other pioneers have there been that remained in the closet? I had an Uncle during the late 50's early 60's who was a test pilot for the space program. He was married to my Aunt, who was a closeted lesbian. He lived a double life and ended up being Fag Bashed in a motel room outside of the airforce base where he was stationed.