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 Portia di Rossi
The list, the 2008 SameSame 25, was revealed last night at a prestigious function at the Cell Block Theatre in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
SameSame 25 co-founder Tim Duggan told Evolution Online, which is a media partner of the awards, that the purpose of the list is to “shine a spotlight on people and issues we believe should be talked about”.
“Too often when it comes to gay people, mainstream media only talks about the negative issues. We think it’s about time to hold up the inspirational stories and look back on the people who have been influential,” he said.
The youngest and oldest of the award winners gave speeches at the ceremony.
“[20 year-old Olympic diver] Matthew Mitcham told what he called his ‘Ugly Duckling’ story, about how he was never good at sport but managed to win gold at the Olympics.
“And the oldest, 80 year-old John Challis, had the room in the palm of his hand talking about the changes he had seen in his lifetime.
“We will now ask people to come back and decide who is the most influential. Justice Kirby won it last year. It will be interesting to see if he wins again,” Duggan said.
The full list:
Portia di Rossi - actress
Matthew Mitcham – Olympic diver
John Challis – superannuation reform campaigner
Michael Kirby – High Court judge
Penny Wong – Federal Environment Minister
Bob Brown – Australian Greens leader
David Marr – author and journalist
Sam Sparro – musician
Fran Kelly – journalist
Giz Watson – WA politician
Narelda Jacobs – TV news achor
Tony Sheldon – actor, Priscilla The Musical.
Andrew Purchas -- founder of the Sydney Convicts Rugby team
Bill Bowtell – HIV/AIDS expert
Christine Manfield – chef and author
Felicity Marlowe -- lobbyist
Jem Masters – Mardi Gras Medical
Brett Sheehy -- artistic director of the Melbourne International Arts Festival
Ken Campagnolo – former football trainer
Melinda Edwards – NT police officer
Meredith Turnbull -- gay and lesbian youth worker
Paul Martin -- psychologist and public speaker.
Penny Sharpe – same-sex parenting advocate
Ruby Rose -- MTV host
Siri May – lesbian health worker
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