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.

Kerryn Phelps

Medical practitioner

It's been a busy year for Kerryn Phelps. In addition to building her own clinic in Surry Hills, hosting Channel Seven’s ‘Last Chance Surgery’, and being the health writer for the ‘Australian Women's Weekly’, she’s also been channeling her energies into the growing field of integrative medicine. She is now the President of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association and is also penning a text book on the subject which will be released internationally next year.

"Integrative medicine is a style of medicine that partly deals with mainstream treatments, but integrates, literally, complimentary therapies and a range of other treatments into patient care. So you’d be looking at a focus on lifestyle, prevention, things like exercise, diet, mind-body medicine, meditation, yoga, tai-chi, quitting smoking, and combining that with mainstream medical treatments.” According to Phelps about 30% of GPs in Australia currently identify as integrative in their philosophy. “It’s probably a far bigger movement than people realise."

When asked if she considers herself influential, Kerryn says that it’s up for others to judge. “However, I’m often asked my opinion on a range of issues, on human rights, discrimination, particularly within the health system."

Since her own coming out, Kerryn says that she’s seen sexuality become less of an issue. “I wish everyone could feel free enough to stand up and say ‘this is who I am’, but it’s a very personal decision and the timing has to be right for every individual,” she says.

"I think role models are important for young people, particularly those who are growing up and may feel as if they’re in a world that is hostile to them. They need to be able to look to other people who are living happy and successful lives in areas that they feel they have some connection with, whether it be their gender or the profession, hobbies or sports they’re interested in. Nobody should feel like the only gay in the village. And there are a lot of young people who grow up feeling like that."

Phelps says that while the issue of gay marriage has been front of mind for the community of late, we should also stop and celebrate the recent changing of 85 discriminatory laws in Australia. “I think that’s enormously important… Almost overnight 85 laws were changed to end discrimination in a whole range of areas… and I think we do need to stop and reflect on the tremendous struggle that that’s been for decades for many people and to see the positives in that. I do believe that ultimately equal relationship recognition will come about. As for when, I think that’s anybody’s guess."