Sadly, Sally Ride has passed away due to pancreatic cancer. [link] Apparently, not only was she the first woman in space, she may have been the first lesbian in space, too. Her relationship with her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, lasted 27 years.
Thanks for the info. Sad, and her partner is in my thoughts, but it's kind of nice to know. She was/is a great role model.
Sally Ride is/was awesome! She was like the Amelia Earhart of the 1980s (turns out Ride's death day is the same as Earhart's birthday...). I had no idea she was a lesbian either until today. I saw that her obituary merely mentioned that she was survived by her partner, a female woman lady. I'm glad her outing was not contrary to any other obituary: it helps to normalize lesbian relationships, I think.
I'm happy and I'm sad at the same time, because she was able to accomplish so much but died so young. Being in space and working at NASA is a total dream of mine so stories like hers are inspiring, even if just a little.
Rest in peace Sally Ride. You had a wonderful journey through life and will forever remain an inspiration to women everywhere. In related news - Mitt Romney on the death of Sally Ride | Greta Christina's Blog
She is a true American hero and has inspired me in so many ways. She died surrounded by loved ones and has taken her rightful place amongst the stars.
