After a conversation with my cousins, I found myself looking back at years of family gatherings, missed invitations and quiet distance through a different lens. This is a deeply personal reflection on being gay, coming out, belonging, culture and the question I never thought I would still be asking decades later: would my family have treated me differently if I were straight?

After almost ten years together, we broke up. Yet we still live together, share Nala and Jax, and now we are applying for another rental together. Somewhere between an old love, a possible friendship and somebody new entering my life, I am beginning to wonder whether staying close is helping us move forward or quietly keeping us from letting go.

When Blak excellence is constantly asked to carry culture, educate colleagues and make organisations look inclusive, the hurt runs deeper than another “quick favour”. Eddie Solien reflects on tokenism in the workplace, colonial load and why true reconciliation requires power, resourcing and respect, not performative gestures.

Being single is not always empowering, sometimes it is quiet, heavy, and confronting. This post is about two weeks of loneliness, navigating mental health, and learning how to come home to myself again.

I did what I always do when someone I love is falling apart. I started researching, organising, trying to save them. But what happens when the person in crisis does not actually want a lifeboat, only an audience.

When the celebrations faded, I finally looked 2025 in the eye. I left WMQ, built my own little online company, and learned the difference between performing a life and living one. With chronic illness on my back and heartbreak in my chest, I chose connection over noise, the ocean over escape, and a future that still feels possible.

On 27 September my family’s world changed. My cousin’s daughter, Albertina, is in ICU after attempting suicide. This is my reflection on grief, finding the right words, and why no one is ever a burden. My door is always open — no matter the time.

This isn’t just a story about my sister Tamara Solien — it’s a piece of my heart. She’s been the fierce mumma bear to five kids for nearly two decades, and now she’s stepped into a whole new chapter, inspiring others through her work in mental health. I couldn’t be prouder.

For the fifth year running, we’re raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation in honour of my dad, who continues to live bravely with leukaemia. It’s not just about charity—it’s about solidarity, family, and love in action.

Celebrate 50 years of Papua New Guinea independence. Read Eddie Solien’s personal reflection and explore exclusive PNG hats, totes, and shoes by Cultural Nexus Indigenous Corporation.

As I help plan my sister’s wedding, a familiar ache returns — the ‘what if’ that haunts so many dreams I once had. This is my story of love, chronic illness, and the slow, painful process of letting go of a future I always hoped for.

In the complex realm of human connections, standing by a friend ensnared in a toxic relationship demands a blend of empathy, patience, and unwavering support. This guide delves into the nuanced approach required to offer a beacon of hope to those caught in the shadow of detrimental partnerships. Learn to navigate the delicate balance of providing emotional support, empowering your friend to rediscover their self-worth, and offering practical help, all while respecting their autonomy and personal journey. Through understanding, active listening, and empowering actions, you can become a vital source of comfort and strength, guiding your friend towards a brighter, healthier future.

In the quiet moments between strength and vulnerability, I, Eddie Solien, find myself reflecting on the complexities of love and loss amidst the heartache of my Aunty's battle with cancer. This journey, illuminated by the harsh reality of illness, has also revealed the depth of our connections and the enduring power of our spirits. As a member of the LGBTIQA+ community and someone who carries the heritage of both Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean cultures, I am reminded of the communal bonds that sustain us. Cooking for my family in these times becomes more than just a task; it's a ritual of love, a testament to the resilience that runs deep in our veins. Through the pain, the waiting, and the inevitable farewells, we find strength in our shared laughter, in the stories we exchange, and in the unwavering support we offer each other. Cancer, with its indiscriminate shadow, cannot dim the light of the love we share.

In the heart of Australia's complex history, I, Eddie Solien, stand at the intersection of diverse identities and untold narratives. As a Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean living with serious health challenges, my life is a constant navigation through a society built on unceded land. This journey is not just about personal resilience in the face of severe health conditions but also about confronting a national history marred by attempts to erase an entire race. In sharing my story, I delve into the depths of living in a country where equity was once non-existent, and the struggle for First Nations peoples rights continues to resonate in every aspect of life.

In the heart of Australia’s celebration, I, Eddie Solien, find myself at a crossroads of reflection and action. Australia Day for me is not a festivity but a somber reminder of our past and a clarion call for the future. This year, as many celebrate, I choose to work, swapping this day for another that resonates with my journey and fight for equity. It’s a moment of personal protest and introspection - a time to ponder, “What does Australia Day truly mean for us all?”

As I reflect on a year fraught with health challenges and professional triumphs, I'm struck by the profound realisation of what truly anchors me – the unwavering support and love of my partner, Ryan. Amidst the rollercoaster of living with complex health issues, Ryan has been my steadfast beacon, a reminder that love doesn't just endure; it empowers. Our journey, rich with trials and triumphs, speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the remarkable strength found in true partnership. As I look to the future, it's with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready to embrace whatever comes next, knowing that with Ryan by my side, anything is possible. My name is Eddie Solien, and this is the essence of my story – a tale of love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to living life fully, no matter the odds.