The First Woman Astronaut revealed to be a Lesbian

The world was shocked to hear of the death of Sally Ride, the 1st woman astronaut. Now, we have some news that Sally was a lesbian.

The announcement puts the start of their relationship at around 1985 -- while Ride was still married to fellow astronaut Steven Hawley. Sally Ride Science spokeswoman Terry McEntee confirmed the announcement -- when asked if Ride was gay, she said, "Yes. That's true. What's on the website is true."


Ride's sister, Bear, who is also gay, told New Times Monday night that her sister never publicly revealed her sexual orientation because of a closely held commitment to her personal privacy.


"Sally was a profoundly private person. It was just part of who she was. We chalk that up to being Norwegian," Bear said. "She had a sense of 'this is family stuff.'"


But Bear said Sally didn't make any efforts to hide the relationship: "They went places together, they're in business together, they wrote books together," she said. "We consider Tam a member of the family."


But that desire for privacy, Bear said, is what kept Sally from taking a stand on gay rights.


"We all have our dreams and wishes, and that might be yours or mine, but she's just like, you probably dont know what her politics are either. It's a family matter," Bear said. "That wasn't her battle of choice -- the battle of choice was science education for kids. And I just hope that all the different components of sally's life go towards helping kids."

I understand she had her reasons. I'm glad to know she was happy in her life.

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Marcellus Richard Andrews was Taunted and Beaten to Death

I hate to close out on a sad note, but I have to post this. Marcellus Richard Andrews was beaten and taunted to death in Waterloo, Iowa.

Here is some more info from a witness:

The two women hadn't made it as far as Adams Street a block away when they heard yelling back at the house. They ran back and found a truck stopped in the street, and the occupants were taunting Andrews, calling him "faggot" and "Mercedes," a feminization of his first name, Simpson said.

The arguing and name calling continued, said Simpson, who admitted throwing the first punch, striking a girl.

"She kept saying it, and I hit her," Simpson said.

From there, the fight was on, with Nakita Wright and the others joining in, according to their account.

At some point during the scuffle, Nakita Wright felt her leg brush against something on the ground. She looked down and saw Andrews.

"I tried to help him up, and then this boy ran back and kicked him in his face," Nakita Wright said.

After the brawl ended, she tried helping Andrews to his feet. He appeared dazed. She grabbed one arm and coaxed him as she lifted. He pushed up with his other arm, but then gave up. Nakita Wright dialed 911.

He was flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment.

And he died there. 

Marcellus was going to studying interior design at Hawkeye Community College and was a member of the Crusaders, a drill team.

I can't help but think about where this happened. This horrible incident happened in Iowa, where being gay is hell and folks have no problems spreading their hate around. Less than 2 weeks ago, the GOP candidates were there talking about their views on gay marriage. In some way, that energy and the hatred caused this. I know it.

My heart goes out to family of Marcellus.

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Doctor Who's Sarah Jane (Elisabeth Sladen) has Died

Sorry to bring such bad news to Doctor Who fans, but my partner just told me that Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane) has passed away.

Here's more on the story

Elisabeth Sladen has passed away at the age of 63.

The actress is best known for portraying Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The cause of death is not yet clear.

Doctor Who Magazine tweeted: "With great sadness, DWM must report the loss of our beloved Sarah Jane, actress Elisabeth Sladen. The best of best friends. Too, too sad."

Doctor Who writer Paul Cornell said: "Very sorry to hear about Elisabeth Sladen, a great actor, special to everyone of my generation and a whole new one."

She was adored by DW fans and will be greatly missed.

Here's more info on the character of Sarah Jane

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Openly Gay author Perry Moore was found Dead

Perry Moore, an author and the executive producer of The Chronicles of Narnia film franchise and the gay super hero book, HERO, was found dead.

NY Daily News reports:

Perry Moore, 39, was found unconscious in the bathroom at about 9:30 a.m. by his partner, Hunter Hill, inside the W. Houston St. home they shared, the sources said.

"We're in shock," said the producer's father, Bill Moore, 69, adding that he just spoke to his son the night before.

"He was in a great, great mood," he said. "No one was expecting this."

Moore - who with beau Hill wrote and directed "Lake City," starring Sissy Spacek and Rebecca Romijn - was pronounced dead shortly after responders arrived. The exact cause of death has not been determined, but sources said it appeared to be an overdose of OxyContin.

"We're so sad," said his father. "He's been able to reach out and touch a lot of people.

My heart goes out to his family and partner

I Know who Dies in Fantastic Four 587 *SPOILER ALERT*

I was right, it is JOHNNY aka the Human Torch! AP reports:

It's a Fantastic Four farewell with the revelation Tuesday of who among them has been selected to be written out of the super hero team.

While Marvel Entertainment has made no secret that a member of the quartet, which was introduced in August 1961, would die, exactly who among the group would fall has been a closely held secret, until the release of issue No. 587.

It's the Human Torch, leaving teammates Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman and the Thing to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Fifty years after cosmic rays transformed him into a man ablaze, the Human Torch will burn no more as the pop culture purveyor of super heroes and villains embarks on an ambitious story line that ends the Fantastic Four.

In the newest issue of one of the company's longest-running comic books, Johnny Storm's life is taken amid a massive battle that writer Jonathan Hickman has been scripting for a year-and-half. Illustrator Steve Epting did the art.

I knew it! I knew it! 

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First Look: The Final Issue of The Fantastic Four!

Really? What will it become? Who will die?

Teena Marie Has Died

Y'all this hurts so much. I love Teena, I can't express what this woman means to me. I have been a fan for many years. Her work is so passionate, raw, emotional, creative and pure genius. I was very lucky to see her live in NYC, her voice was on point and her performance just gave me life.

There are few artists that moves me, Teena took me many places. She will be greatly, greatly missed.

Here's more on her death

Teena Marie, a celebrated R&B singer-songwriter, was found dead Sunday at her California home, her manager said. 


Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, California, the 54-year-old artist famously paired with late funk legend Rick James and was nominated four times for a Grammy Award, according to her official website.

Marie was found dead by her daughter after apparently dying in her sleep, manager Mike Gardner said.
"Teena was a black voice trapped in a white body," said Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One, a broadcasting company that targets African-American and urban listeners. "I would always tell her that she was one of the greatest vocalists of our time."

I will miss you, Lady T!

One of the Fantastic Four dies in issue 587

Yes, one of the classic team members eats dirt in upcoming issue.

The Fantastic Four — superheroes whose creation nearly 50 years ago helped usher in the Silver Age of comics for Marvel — is about to become a trio.

Marvel Comics said Wednesday that a member of the foursome — Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing — will die in issue No. 587 next month, a change that the company said will ripple across the Marvel Universe like never before.
But who will die? That's a secret protected with more might than the Incredible Hulk and Sentry possess, but executive editor Tom Brevoort, who oversees the comic book, says plenty of clues have been offered during the course of writer Jonathan Hickman's run, including the current "Three" story line.

"I think we've given plenty of hints as to who may die — perhaps too many, in that every one of our lead characters is left in a dire, life-threatening situation the month before," Brevoort told The Associated Press. "So, hopefully, that will help to heighten the suspense, while preserving the surprise as to which member doesn't make it out alive."
Marvel is taking no chances in trying to contain that secret like it were the wish-granting Cosmic Cube itself.

Readers will find out for themselves when "Fantastic Four" No. 587 is released in January, though it'll be wrapped in a black polybag designed to keep snoops from finding out and spilling the news.

I think it's Johnny (Human Torch)

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Interesting Quote: Anthony Steward Head (Spoiler Alert)

It's obviously sad because it's the end of a great character, but the thing we love about Joss is his ability to tell great stories and the fact that he never shies away from haunting and impactful twists in his plotlines; the death of Joyce in the TV series gave rise to a catalogue of brilliant stories. Ripper R.I.P .  

Read the latest Buffy comic... Giles is dead.