Gay astronaughta

But the lack of even one openly gay or lesbian astronaut in the history of American spaceflight may reflect the culture at the NASA astronaut office. Ride's decision to keep her sexual orientation private reflects her very private nature, sources said. He added, "It will be part of her legacy that change will come to her profession as well.

There is also the fact that of the current and former astronauts served in the military, according to NASA. Women in Space: A Gallery of Firsts. The implication is that even in , a same-sex orientation could still earn an astronaut unwanted notoriety that would detract from a mission.

Still, the fact remains that no astronauts have ever come out as gay or lesbian , while many astronauts include mention of their husbands, wives or children on their NASA official biography pages. Some professions have been quicker to change than others. Subscribe to Scientific American to learn and share the most exciting discoveries, innovations and ideas shaping our world today.

Cassutt said even though he suspects there are or have been some other gay or lesbian astronauts, and in spite of the progress made on LGBT issues, "I don't expect anyone in the current corps to be 'out' any time soon, assuming anyone is gay. In life, Sally Ride became famous as America's first woman in space — and in death, she's now added to her fame as the first acknowledged gay astronaut.

Can People Stop Being Gay? All rights reserved. The U. Harvey Milk said, 'Come out, come out, wherever you are. Three hundred and thirty American men and women have served as astronauts since the start of NASA's human spaceflight program. Every profession is going to change.

As the first American woman in space and a scientist, Ride served as a role model for generations of young girls. Only one is publicly known to have been gay or bisexual — Sally Ride — and she kept it private until her death, yesterday July 23 , when her obituary on the Sally Ride Science organization's website stated that Ride was survived by Tam O'Shaughnessy, her "partner of 27 years.

By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Although NASA does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, Michael Cassutt, author of five books and hundreds of articles about human spaceflight, said coming out would until recently have been "a career-wrecker" for an astronaut.

Still, the fact remains that no astronauts have ever come out as gay or lesbian, while many astronauts include mention of their husbands, wives or children on their NASA official. We examine the space industry's historical treatment of LGBTQ+ people, why there has never been an out LGBTQ+ astronaut, and more for Pride Month The lack of even one openly gay or lesbian living astronaut in the history of American spaceflight may reflect the culture at the NASA astronaut office.

As of today, Ride's NASA bio page was updated to mention that she is survived by her mother, with no mention of her partner. July 25, 4 min read. The announcement of Sally Ride's death made her the first openly gay astronaut, albeit posthumously. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. The revelation came in a low-key way. And the news this week about Sally Ride is just one more example of that. Subscription Plans Give a Gift Subscription. Why are there no others?.