Sally Ride, first American female astronaut, was gay

Dr. Sally Ride was the first American female and youngest astronaut in space. That’s what a lot of Americans learned yesterday when, at 61, she died of pancreatic cancer.

But, it turns out, she is an inspiration for another reason. Dr. Sally Ride’s obituary made public her long-time relationship with a woman, Tam O’Shaughnessy, according to BuzzFeed. 

“In addition to Tam O’Shaughnessy, her partner of 27 years, Sally is survived by her mother, Joyce; her sister, Bear; her niece, Caitlin, and nephew, Whitney; her staff of 40 at Sally Ride Science; and many friends and colleagues around the country,” the obituary read. 

Sally Ride's sister, Bear Ride, told BuzzFeed, “I hope it makes it easier for kids growing up gay that they know that another one of their heroes was like them.”

As many have protested, Ms. O’Shaughnessy is not entitled to any federal benefits. The New York Times points out, “The Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed into law by President Bill Clinton, denies federal survivors’ benefits to same-sex couples.”  

Here's a video of the late doctor: