Astronaut Sally Ride went away yesterday to 61 years, cut short by pancreatic cancer. Not only does the Ride was the first woman to go into space, but also the first lesbian (as correctly pointed out in his Wikipedia page). Talking to his death, the foundation that bears his name has thus stated that Ms. Ride has lived the past 27 years along with Tam O’Shaughnessy. A woman, in fact.

This is coming out, albeit posthumously. The American scientist was very keen to privacy, so no one knew of his illness until a few days ago. His sister, Bear Ride, however stated that Sally has never hidden his relationship with Tam:

Members have been in business, have written books together. Of course Sally’s closest friends knew. I really hope that this news, knowing that one of their heroes was just like them, are easier to grow than others gay.

We hope too.