Sally Ride was the first gay astronaut
Sally Ride made history in 1983 when she became the first American woman to fly to space. Since then, she became famous for her work in the NASA community, inspiring children all over the world to pursue a science career.
President Barack Obama even awarded her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, adding that “As the first American woman in space, Sally did not just break the stratospheric glass ceiling, she blasted through it.”
And even after she came back from her trip to space, she devoted her life to promoting education and teaching young girls exceed in science, math, and engineering, Obama added. After her death in 2012, she officially became the first gay astronaut, at least that we know of.
Sally Ride was married to Steven Hawley between 1982 and 1987, he was also an astronaut. However, according to NBC News, she was in a relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy during that time but kept it a secret.
In fact, Tam O’Shaughnessy was her partner for more than 27 years, but the truth has been revealed only after she passed away because she always kept her life private.
Make sure to also check: 15 Famous Women With Much Younger Partners.
