About The Same Same 25 The Same Same 25 is an annual celebration of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians. They are publicly nominated, and chosen by a panel of community leaders. For the past two years, the announcement of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians has attracted widespread national media attention and focused on the achievements and influence of a varied and inspirational group of people. View the Same Same 25 for 2008 here. View the Same Same 25 for 2007 here. About Same Same
The Judges - The Same Same 25 judges are drawn from a wide cross-section of the community, representing a broad field of influence and experience in their chosen professions. Andrew Creagh (Editor, DNA Magazine), Cec Busby (Editor, LOTL Magazine), Rachel Cook (Editor, Cherrie Magazine), Christian Taylor (Editor, SameSame.com.au), David Wilkins (ACON), Kevin Golding (Business Analyst), Peter Walton (Publisher, Evolution), Libby Clark (Co-founder, Sound Alliance), Tim Duggan (Co-founder, SameSame.com.au)
The Process - The Same Same 25 is publicly nominated, and chosen by a panel of community leaders. Anyone in Australia can nominate someone for the Same Same 25.

Bob Brown

Leader of the Australian Greens

There are only two people who have been on the Same Same 25 list since inception, Michael Kirby and Bob Brown – a sure sign of ongoing influence if there ever was one.

As the leader of the Greens, Brown continues to be a powerful voice for the environment and social justice since he was elected to the Senate a decade and a half ago. With the crucial issues of climate change threatening to create a political schism, Brown is a powerful voice of reason who commands wide respect for his political idealism.

An openly and proud gay man, Brown is a shining light in the Australian parliament. “It is my pleasure to act as an encouragement for younger gay and lesbian Australians,” he told Same Same.

2009 has seen a number of important wins for the hard work that Brown has put in, especially with the Government removal of discriminatory laws against gay and lesbian couples that Brown was instrumental in helping to lobby and push through the Senate.

As an advocate for gay rights issues, Brown is an amazing asset, but as an advocate for civil and environment issues to all Australians, he is invaluable.