A First Kiss from America’s First Woman in Space

Person in News: Tam O’Shaughnessy – Partner of Sally Ride, America’s First Woman in Space

Tam O’Shaughnessy Shares Journey with Sally Ride, Highlighting Their 27-Year Partnership

1. Background: Tam O’Shaughnessy was the long-term partner (27 years) of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space (1983). Their relationship became publicly known after Ride’s death in 2012.
2. Early Life & Education: Met Ride as teenagers at a tennis tournament. O’Shaughnessy later pursued biology; Ride studied physics at Stanford.
3. Professional Life & Achievements:
   • Co-founded Sally Ride Science in 2001, a science-education company for children.
   • Co-authored children’s books with Ride.
4. Significance:
   • Their partnership represents a pioneering LGBTQ+ story in American space history.
   • Ride maintained privacy about her sexual orientation; O’Shaughnessy publicly shared their story posthumously.
5. Personal Milestones:
   • Certified domestic partners in 2011 for hospital-visitation rights during Ride’s illness.
   • Ride described Earth from space as a "thin, fuzzy blue line," reflecting her fascination with space and science.
6. Legacy:
   • O’Shaughnessy continues to promote Ride’s scientific and educational contributions.
   • Their story emphasizes inclusion and recognition of LGBTQ+ figures in STEM and history.
     
     Updated - 9 June 2025 ; 10: 30 PM | https://www.newyorker.com/