A shift towards more inclusion in the NFL might finally be upon us.
On June 21, the Minnesota Vikings became the first NFL franchise to host an LGBTQ summit. The event was held at the TCO arena and moderated by local news anchor Jana Shortal.
We're excited to be hosting the #VikingsLGBTQ Summit at our facility today. pic.twitter.com/TajoObYbxE
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 21, 2018
The event was attended by representatives from more than 60 organizations, including 14 NFL teams. The panel included former Vikings punter and LGBTQ rights activist, Chris Kluwe, Olympic diver Greg Louganis, former Vikings defensive end Esera Tualolo, and former wrestler Hudson Taylor.
Getting ready to join the panel for this first ever #VikingsLGBTQ #summit happening now! With the awesome @eseratuaolo #NFL #EqualityForAll @AthleteAlly @HRC #Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/Jnp1p1cfw6
— Gregory Louganis (@greglouganis) June 21, 2018
The summit focused primarily on how to promote an inclusive atmosphere for LGBTQ athletes and fans. There was also a discussion on LGBTQ participation in youth sports. An alarming statistic came out of the event: Only 24% of LGBTQ high school students participate in a sport, and 11% don’t feel safe in the locker room.
Not all gay people love sports. But my son is fanatical. As an #LGBTQ parent I have a serious interest in a shift in the culture of sports. And as a family of #vikings fans - I’m particularly interested in a change in the culture of football. #VikingsLGBTQ
— Nancy Lyons (@Nylons) June 21, 2018
On one of the panels, Kluwe discussed how straight athletes can mend the alienation LGBTQ athletes feel on all levels. He also emphasized the importance of eliminating homophobic slurs from the lexicon of sport.
“I was taught to use homophobic language to diminish my peers,” said Taylor. “I think that goes on in locker rooms around the country. … We all need to do a better job of saying what’s acceptable, what behaviors and language are acceptable.”
Although the summit was a great step in the right direction for the NFL, it stems from an ugly incident Kluwe faced as a member of the Vikings organization. Kluwe threatened to sue the team after special teams coordinator Mike Preifer made an anti-gay remark on the practice field. The summit was organized by the Vikings as part of a settlement it reached with the former punter.
“I wish it was all the teams [that were here] but I think it’s a good start,” Kluwe said. “Especially if even four or five of those teams go back and do something with it, that’s four or five more teams than we had in the entirety of the NFL. This is one of the things where I think once teams understand why this is an important issue and how it benefits them to deal with LGBTQ rights … I think we’ll see some serious change and adoption of policy happening.”
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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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.