Our favourite time of the year is finally upon us, and Same Same is proud to announce that our annual celebration of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians for 2009 is open for nominations from the Australian public.

Now in its third year, the Same Same 25 is an annual list of the next generation of gay and lesbian role models. The members of the Same Same 25 over the previous two years have included high profile names like Justice Michael Kirby, Olympian Matt Mitcham, TV host Ruby Rose and lesser-known people like schoolteacher Andrew Benson and community leader Siri May.

View 2007’s Same Same 25 here.

View 2008’s Same Same 25 here.

The annual announcement attracts a flurry of media activity and pulls the 25 members into the well-deserved spotlight.

The Same Same 25 for 2009 will look back at the past twelve months, and the people and issues that have shaped our year. The Same Same 25 is nominated by the Australian public, and chosen by a panel of community leaders. The final list of the 25 will be announced in early December.

Nominations are the most important part, as this is where you tell us who has inspired you and been influential in your life during the past year. Anyone can nominate anyone else.

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 or lesbian. They could be someone who has a lot of influence over a large number of people, or they could be a behind-the-scenes worker who is highly respected in their chosen profession.

To nominate someone you think should be one of the Same Same 25 for 2009, go to www.SameSame.com.au/25