Sally Ride died.

Over the next few days you will hear a lot about this woman, and how she inspired a whole generation of girls.

But what you may not hear about is a very real injustice going on.

You see, Sally Ride had a partner of 27 years, Tam O’Shaughnessy. Tam and Sally were, by all accounts, a loving, devoted couple.

Ms. O’Shaughnessy won’t receive widow benefits. Because our country is STILL trying to deny that love exists between same-sex couples, usually  on the basis of some outdated theological nonsense. She deserves the honor and respect any widow or widower would get from NASA, and if NASA had some balls, they would do it anyway.

Our country, as whole, lacks a set of balls.

To  Ms. O’Shaughnessy I say.

Your spouse was an extraordinary American, and we are all a little worse off today because she has left this world. But we know great achievements are not done in a vacuum, and just like we honor her service, we honor yours. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to you. 

Some days, America makes me cry.