The Same Same 25 is an annual celebration of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians.
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 2009 here. 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.

Adam Bolan

TV producer

When Adam Boland was the executive producer at 7's early morning show Sunrise, he helped propel the daily live broadcasts to become the top-rated breakfast show on Aussie TV.

Sunrise is still doing well, but Boland recently left the show to concentrate on other projects, and is now finding himself in-demand as one of the television industry's key players.

Boland has been upfront and honest about his gay sexual orientation, and in 2008 also opened up about his struggle with bipolar disorder, and his decision to get counselling for it rather than rely on mood-stabilising drugs.

When told about his appearance on our 25 list, Boland reflected on what being an out in Australian in 2011 means to him.

"I do believe Australia is becoming more tolerant," he told us. "But there's a difference between tolerance and acceptance. I think we must all use whatever influence we have to promote acceptance. So, be proud I am."