The State of California Board of Education was recently looking into a new policy of recommending textbooks that include “fair, accurate, inclusive, and respectful representations” of LGBTQ people. And on Nov. 9, the state approved 10 LGBTQ-inclusive history textbooks for kindergarten through eighth-grade classrooms, becoming the first state in the U.S. to do so.
The new legislation requires the curriculum include contributions made by members of the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities. The new curriculum will also mention the sexual orientations of historical figures who were LGBTQ, where previously it had been omitted.
The state rejected two books because they failed to abide by California’s 2011 FAIR Education Act. The books did not disclose the sexuality of historical figures believed to be LGBTQ, including Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and President James Buchanan. The publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, responded to the rejection by saying, “HMH feels that the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer are contemporary terms that may not map well on past lives and experiences.”
“This long fought victory is the next step for California students to learn about the contributions and history of LGBTQ people,” said Rick Zbur, the executive director of Equality California. “Approval of these textbooks means that California schools will now have access to approved materials that accurately represent LGBTQ people, and Equality California applauds the State Board of Education for this historic decision.”
LGBTQ visibility in textbooks is important because it uncovers the valuable contributions these people have made to society. It also provides role models for young people looking to better understand their sexual orientation. When young people see themselves in history, it’s easier for them to find their place in today’s world.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.