Feature Image Photo via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
A light breeze tickles your face as you awaken outside beneath a clear azure sky. Although you can see nature in the distance, your immediate surroundings are overwhelmingly beige - you’re in some kind of industrial complex, on a large expanse of faded concrete punctuated with giant boxy buildings. You hear a bit of a hubbub nearby and turn a corner to see a space shuttle attached to a massive rocket! There are a bunch of people in light blue jumpsuits heading towards the shuttle, waving at folks in the distance. One of the be-jumpsuited people is a woman: it’s Sally Ride! She must be about to make history as the first (queer) American woman to go into space!
Suddenly, there’s...
Join a crew of extraordinary humans who keep Autostraddle here for everyone! Already a member? Sign In
![](https://www.autostraddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/upsell-image.png)
Before you go! Autostraddle runs on the reader support of our AF+ Members. If this article meant something to you today — if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen, will you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?
Join AF+!
Join AF+!