25 Most Influential Gay Australians

Last night the Same Same 25 were announced at the “Gaylies” an annual event in Melbourne recognising Australia’s 25 Most Influential Gay, Lesbian and Transgender individuals.

Among the honorees were comediansJosh Thomas and Tom Ballard, Thomas’ sometime adversary Ruby Rose as well as musician, singer and international gay icon Sia.

Also making the cut are Australian sporting representatives and Olympic medalists, diver Matthew Mitcham and distance swimmer Daniel Kowalski, who publicly came out as gay at age 34. Within the political sector Penny Wong, Greens Party leader Bob Brown and outspoken right-leaning political pundit Tim Wilson were given the nod.

Same Same 25 full list
Adam Boland
Alex Greenwich
Ali Hogg
Bob Brown
Daniel Kowalski
Emma Freeman
Fiona McGregor
Glenn Hansen
John Frost
Jonny Seymour
Josh Thomas
Lex Lindsay
Lynne Hillier
Matthew Mitcham
Michael Kirby
Paul Martin
Penny Wong
Ruby Rose
Sia Furler
Stephen Brady
Tim Wilson
Tom Ballard
Tommy Murphy
Trevor Ashley

The criteria for nomination in the Same Same 25 is that the nominated person must be an Australian citizen who has publicly acknowledged that they are gay, lesbian or transgender. They could be someone in the public eye, or a behind-the-scenes worker who is highly respected in their chosen profession.

This year there are no transgender representatives on the list. Interestingly, the award doesn’t make mention of bi-sexuality – the great mythical sexual orientation, apparently.

Any comments on the list?

Via Same Same
Torsten Blackwood via Getty

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