What’s the impact of Sally Ride coming out in her obituary?
Mark Schwartz
pet-care specialist | South Philadelphia
“I have mixed feelings. Her method [of coming out] gives the impression she wasn’t accepting of her sexuality. It would have been better if she came out earlier. But she was a highly respected woman in America. So making people aware of her sexual orientation — even in an obituary — does have a helpful impact.”
Mark Schwartz
pet-care specialist | South Philadelphia
“I have mixed feelings. Her method [of coming out] gives the impression she wasn’t accepting of her sexuality. It would have been better if she came out earlier. But she was a highly respected woman in America. So making people aware of her sexual orientation — even in an obituary — does have a helpful impact.”
Frank Cholminski
deliveryman | South Philadelphia
“The impact is minimal, if anything. It was such a fluke, the way she chose to come out. I never heard of someone pre-planning their coming out in their obituary. The overall trend is to come out when you’re alive. So I think the impact of Sally Ride’s coming out is negligible.”
Natalie Ridge
scientist | Washington Square West
“I respect her personal choice to maintain her privacy. But her coming out would have been more positive if she did it while [she was] alive. Her legacy has the unfortunate effect of reaffirming that you need to be in the closet to be successful in this country.”
Stephanie Benson
housekeeper | West Philadelphia
“A very wonderful legacy. She raised people’s awareness that lesbians are in all fields of life. I respect her decision to be a private person. I just hope people will let her rest in peace.”
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