“Defying Gravity and Critics: 100th Woman In Space Stands Strong Against Internet Trolls”
Not even 24 hours later, however, “hoards of men” began sexualizing her response and making inappropriate comments.
Emily Calandrelli was met with online trolls after she had an emotional response to being the 100th woman to fly to space
While many rallied their support on social media, calling Emily an “inspiration” and a hero, especially for women, she said there were a few men who tried to ruin an experience that brought “the most life-altering spectacular joy and awe.”
“I refuse to give much time to the small men on the internet. I feel experiences in my soul,” she said.
“I will not apologize or feel weird about my reaction. It’s wholly mine and I love it.”
Image credits: blueorigin
As she got off the flight, a Southwest flight attendant recognized her and offered some advice, whispering, “Don’t ever let them dull your shine.”
“I felt an immediate sense of camaraderie with her, with all the women,” Emily said.
The rude comments were so vast in numbers that Blue Origin had to take down the original video and replace it with an edited version.
Emily’s representative told CNN that she’d much rather focus on what the milestone meant for the future, rather than the unexpected hate it’s received.
The mission, while fairly simple, was an unreal experience for Emily
The launch this past Friday had a simple goal: fly above the Kármán line—the boundary separating Earth’s atmosphere from outer space—for a couple of minutes, before landing back on the ground.
And Emily had nothing but good things to say about the journey.
