Sally

In the biographical drama, Sally, the story unfolds as Tam O'Shaughnessy, a renowned artist, author, and close friend to astronaut Sally Ride, comes forward to shed light on the untold aspects of Ride's life. For over two decades, Ride and O'Shaughnessy maintained a discreet yet deep romance that paralleled Ride's remarkable achievements in the field of space exploration. As the world celebrated Ride's trailblazing career, their relationship remained shrouded in secrecy. Born on May 26, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, Sally Ride grew up as a curious and ambitious individual who was driven by a passion for the sciences. Her talent in math and physics earned her a spot at Swarthmore College and eventually a Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University. She became one of the select few to be chosen for NASA's Astronaut Corps in 1978, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey in space. Meanwhile, Tam O'Shaughnessy, born on April 7, 1953, in Los Angeles, grew up in a supportive family, fostering her artistic talents at a young age. She would establish herself as an accomplished author, known for her work in children's literature. The two individuals met in the late 1970s, and their initial chance encounter gradually blossomed into a close, then romantic bond. As Sally Ride's stardom rose within the NASA program, her and Tam's romance continued to flourish in the background. The challenges they faced were immense as they navigated the social norms and expectations that dictated secrecy. The strict rules of NASA, combined with the cultural homophobia prevalent at the time, forced them to keep their relationship concealed from the public eye. Throughout the 1980s, Ride's accomplishments continued to soar. She became the first American woman in space, aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger mission on June 18, 1983. She also co-authored several books and was involved in various educational programs, inspiring countless young minds about the wonders of space and science. In between, Tam O'Shaughnessy would often accompany Sally Ride on her journeys, providing unwavering support and love in the shadows. They became the perfect partners, both supporting each other's endeavors while fostering open communication and trust. However, with their relationship being private and under scrutiny from society and the media, their relationship became a balancing act that often weighed heavily on their personal lives. As the years progressed, their union would undergo moments of adversity, including their struggles dealing with the media and the scrutiny of the public. Their love stood as an unbreakable bond – a testament to their trust and devotion to one another. Ride and O'Shaughnessy's deep affection played an integral role in Ride's success, providing her with the emotional support needed during the highs and lows of a career driven by pioneering spirit. When Sally Ride passed away on July 23, 2012, Tam O'Shaughnessy took it upon herself to honor her partner's legacy by shedding light on their extraordinary relationship. The film, Sally, captures the essence of Ride's life while emphasizing the pivotal role their relationship played throughout. As Tam O'Shaughnessy opens up to the audience, sharing their experiences with Ride, it becomes clear that behind the scenes of Ride's historic accomplishments was a devoted partner, steadfastly by her side. The biographical drama portrays the trials that Tam O'Shaughnessy faced in keeping their partnership secret. Despite the societal pressures, she was unwavering in her dedication to Ride, providing love and encouragement every step of the way. The story showcases not just Ride's remarkable career milestones but also highlights the profound impact that Tam O'Shaughnessy's unwavering support had on shaping her life journey. Ultimately, Sally Ride's incredible life remains as a tribute to her groundbreaking journey in space as well as the strength of her profound love shared with Tam O'Shaughnessy, a love that stood as an example and symbolized a long-lasting, beautiful marriage of hearts and souls.