Just as everything is winding down for the year, we want you to look back over the past 12 months and tell us who has inspired or influenced you enough to be in the Same Same 25.

Now in its fourth year, the Same Same 25 is our annual celebration of the 25 Most Influential Gay, Lesbian or Transgender Australians. It aims to shine a spotlight on the people and issues that should be talked about. The list is always diverse, from well known names to unsung heroes – but they all have one thing in common: they have exerted a large amount of influence over their community.

2010 has been a big year for gay and lesbian people, and there have been many people who have led the way. We want to know who they are, and we want you to tell us who has influenced you.

View the full list of the Same Same 25 for 2009 here.

View the full list of the Same Same 25 for 2007 here.

The Same Same 25 is publicly nominated, then selected by a panel of community leaders.

There are a few changes to the Same Same 25 this year. The first is that we welcome Absolut Vodka on board as our presenting partner for the awards. Absolut have a long and proud tradition of supporting the gay community around the world. Widely recognised as one of the first mainstream brands to really get in the trenches with us, Absolut partner with the GLAAD Media Awards in the US, the Gay Games and now with our annual celebration of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians.

The second is that the announcement event this year is going to be held in Melbourne in February. The Same Same 25 is a national awards, and has been held in Sydney in the past. The announcement will be taking place at The Cullen Penthouses in February, thanks to the support of the The Cullen Hotel, one of the best new hotels to open in Melbourne in years.

Nominations for the Same Same 25, brought to you by Absolut, are now open, and you can nominate anyone in Australia who has inspired or influenced you this year. Nominations will remain open until January 10.

Nominate someone for the Same Same 25 now.