A True Star

I was just old enough to remember the historic moment that Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. It was the definition of inspirational. And was an in-your-face to the continuously skeptical sexists everywhere who continue to haunt our national discourse. It was also, to put it simply, the opposite of whatever that tone-deaf celebrity tourist trip to space last month was. But being the first anything almost always comes with a price. And for the very private Ride, it was the ability to live openly as a queer woman with her 27-year partner Tam O’Shaughnessy. I even wonder if I had known way back in 1983 that The Sally Ride was also a lesbian, I might have figured it out about myself a little sooner, too. Instead, we all found out with her passing in 2012. But I am pleased that history sometimes allows us to look back to appreciate the whole person after their passing. I am also so pleased that her partner Tam has this moment to be herself as well. So I can’t wait to watch this when it starts streaming during Pride Month. These are the kinds of stars who will always inspire.