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.

Paul Martin

Queensland-based counselling psychologist

“Paul has worked in the LGBT community for many years and is very passionate about creating positive change for all LGBTI people. He is a great advocate for our community and works tirelessly for change and equality. Plus, he's the best boss I've ever had in my life!”

He's had a very colourful history, which even at one dark point in his early 20's included leading an ex-gay ministry called Exodus (which he describes as "a very distressing time until I saw the light"), to working in a maximum security prison, coaching the leaders of Suncorp in the Southern States and training the managers in all of the Prisons throughout Queensland.

With over 15 years experience with private and organisations, Martin is now the Principal Psychologist for Centre for Human Potential.

The people around him rave about him and insisted he be included on our 25 list. “For many years Paul has assisted the GLBT community in the area of mental health," typed one colleague. "His practice is targeted specifically to meet the needs of our community. Paul speaks at a range of events and writes articles for the gay press which offer hope and information to those most in need. He recently set up an education seminar for GPs specifically designed to provide information regarding GLBT mental health issues. It is hoped that this will be an ongoing educational seminar for GPs. Paul is a very out and proud public figure in our community.

Martin himself says appearing on this list means an enormous amount. "My primary mission has been to improve the mental health of people in our communities.  This includes working with organisations, and educating professionals at the front line of mental health of people in our communities including GP’s, psychologists and psychiatrists. So few really understand the deeper psychological issues LGBTI face which can leave many with inadequate assistance. 

"I’ve also experienced firsthand the damage can be done through the lack of understanding of some Christians and the ex-gay movement. To me it is a privilege being asked by Christian leaders to work with them to improve their understanding.”