June is Gay Pride Month
On This Day In Space! June 18, 1983: Sally Ride Becomes 1st American Woman in Space
Sally Ride, the United States' first woman in space, who flew 35 years today (June 18), in 1983, has inspired countless people, as she lived a life committed to science, education and inclusion.
And while she only "came out" publicly as gay in her obituary, written by Tam O'Shaughnessy, Ride's surviving partner of 27 years, Ride is still the first and only acknowledged LGBTQ astronaut. Today, Ride's legacy and life story continue to inspire, as she has set a leading example, conquering what before seemed truly impossible.
