Ruby Rose
Ruby Rose or Penny Wong? Bob Brown or Josh Thomas? Sia? Who do you consider Australia’s most influential gay people? Australian lifestyle website Samesame have held their annual “Gaylies” in Melbourne this week, an awards ceremony that names the who’s who of gay and lesbian Australians.
From the Samesame website:
The awards are given to the 25 Australians judged to be the most influential over the past 12 months by members of Australia’s #1 gay and lesbian lifestyle website SameSame.com.au. Publicly nominated, and then selected by a panel of community leaders, this is the first year that the announcement event for the national awards has been held in Melbourne.
“Every single member of the list have done admirable things in their chosen profession or passion that makes them influential,” says Tim Duggan. “It’s inspiring so see and hear all of their stories, and heartening to see the influence that gay and lesbian people have in all aspects of Australian life.”
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, lesbian or transgender. They could be someone in the public eye, or a behind-the-scenes worker who is highly respected in their chosen profession.
You can read the full article here.
Here are the 25 awards winners – who do you think wields the most power? Anyone forgotten?
Alex Greenwich, National Convenor of Australian Marriage Equality (on right, with Labor Senator Doug Cameron on left)
Comments
212 Comments so far
I have a confesssion to make. As a fan of cooking shows, I have to say that George Columbaris, Bill Granger and Luke Nguyen always ‘seemed’ gay to me….and I find myself saying ‘not that there’s anything wrong with that’
The thing is I know that some people, male or female, for whatever reason (and of course as is their right) might still choose to keep their sexuality ‘secret’, perhaps to protect their traditional family or maybe they are very sadly in denial. No idea if this could be the case for these guys, and it’s really none of my business of course, but WHY do I interpret their style as being gay? Does that say something about me? I LIKE all three men, my feeling toward them is positive in terms of their presentation (and cooking), and sheer likeability but they are clearly (having wives/girlfriends and babies) behaving or wanting to *seem* heterosexual…..why do I still feel like they are homosexual then?
By way of ‘ps’, I get that same feeling from Ian Thorpe (he has a great cookbook by the way:)) .
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I wish Josh Thomas wasn’t gay
I had marriage plans!
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I find it sad that people have to come to terms with their sexuality. If we have feelings for the same sex we shouldn’t have to come to terms with it or feel ashamed and scared.
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Can’t come up with a name for the awards (as amazingly inspiring as they are) because, to me, I just don’t see people’s ‘gay’ness or ‘straight’ness or whatever as being an achievement…it’s part and parcel of who we are. It’s like asking me to award somebody for their sense of smell or the way they hiccup.
Sorry if I’ve offended any people with my comment (gay, straight or otherwise – I don’t mean to sound insensitive about how you’ve struggled with your sexuality, if you HAVE struggle, I mean), but I just see you for who your are. If you’re a nice person, I’ll like you…if you’re a jerk, I wont. If you do something great, I’ll applaude you…if you do something stupid, I’ll bag-out your choice. All else is interesting about you, but not worth winning an award for.
If you help people cope with their sexuality (regardless of whether or not you’re gay), then goodonya, mate! Job well done! Keep at it, cause you’re doing a bloody good job
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I think that’s the point though isn’t it? Helping people be completely comfortable with themselves and to then reach their best version of that?
Role models! And a sense of belonging. For minority groups, with a history of oppression, the impact of both is immeasurable.
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As someone who has only just come out to a handful of friends (and am yet to tackle most of my family or people I went to school with) I find it incredibly inspirational to have awards like this – realising you’re gay is hard and it’s nice to see people who are out and proud and doing amazing things so you can keep it in perspective.
In the future, yes, hopefully awards like this won’t be necessary but when there is still an awful lot of homophobia and prejudice in the world, plus inequality regarding marriage rights, having positive news around LGBT issues is incredibly important…
So I say congrats to the list for being great rolemodels!
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Fenella Kernebone ex-Triple J presenter.
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Ruby Rose lost my respect the day that she stripped for a men’s mag. Sorry. To me, gratifying male stereotypical fantasies of lesbian women is just not inspirational.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sia though. I think she’s quirky, adorable, brave and talented.
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I completely and wholeheartedly agree!!!!
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One amazing person that has been left of the list is Daniel Witthaus. He is one of the most extraordinary people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and the work he has done in challenging homophobia for young people makes him a stand out.
He created an in school program called Pride and Prejudice – http://www.prideandprejudice.com.au/.
He’s recently completed a 38 week tour of regional Australia with the Beyond ‘That’s So Gay’ program – http://thatssogay.com.au/about and wrote a book of the same name which is challenging homophobia in Australia schools and provides everything a teacher, health professional or homophobia-curious individual would need to effectively challenge and interrupt homophobia and affirm sexual diversity.
He’s funny, passionate, a great writer and making a difference in the lives of so many Aussie kids.
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I agree Amy. Daniel recently did a presentation at the school I work at, and he was incredible. I purposely looked at the list hoping that he was also recognised.
The work he is doing with young people is inspiring.
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How fantastic. I get so mad when I hear kids and teenagers using the word gay to mean bad or stupid.
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I think it’s a shame that Ian Roberts isn’t on the list. It must have been very difficult to be an openly gay rugby league player.He’s gone on to be a great spokesman for Gay Rights.
I’m also surprised that the author Christos Tsolkas isn’t there. is novel, Head On is an amazing account of a young man’s struggle with his homosexuality. And more in the arts field – Tim Campbell and Anthony Callea, what a great couple.
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Oh I love Tim Campbell – I’ve seen him on The Circle a few times, he’s briliant.
Another one I thought of – Helen Razer.
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I never knew, until today, that Senator Bob Brown was gay…
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He was also the man that announced to the world that Jimi Hendrix was dead…pretty cool huh?
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me neither!
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Same! I also didn’t know that Josh Thomas was gay ~ love him!
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i didn’t know either
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Reading through the comments I can’t understand why people are getting annoyed with Ian Thorpe not disclosing his sexuality to the general public.
My MIL told me once that she doesn’t like Ian because she believes him to be insincere because he is obviously gay and has not been open and honest about it.
This is one of things that frustrates me. Why are homosexual people in the public arena expected to lay themselves bare. As a hetrosexual I am never expected to be outright with who I like to curl up with when I go to bed at night. Can we not afford others this amount of privacy also?
Sorry I’ll get off my soapbox now. I just think that the guy is a sweetheart. Softly/well spoken, humble and does a heap of work for Inidgenous children’s literacy in our country.
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Good call. I never had to come out as a straight person; I would never expect anyone else to come out unless they felt comfortable doing so.
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And he may not be gay. If her is or isn’t is no ones business. He seems nice I agree
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i’ve always felt a little sorry for him because of that.
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I’m so glad you said that!
I have no idea who’s gay or straight…don’t care, either.
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Again, who cares if these people are gay? As I once remarked, there is so much ignorance and prejudice about gays. My friend’s mother once said to him ” I don’t know why you’re gay. Your father isn’t. ” So much for tolerance.
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It’s awful that people could possibly dislike Ian Thorpe because he hasn’t ‘come out’ if he is gay.
However, if he is gay, as a public person he could have such a positive effect at chipping away prejudice a little more. Homosexuality is not something to be uncomfortable about. If he is uncomfortable about it, he must see it as wrong.
To keep something like that from the public kind of contributes to homosexuality being a taboo. If we (society) keep hiding it, we perpetuate the notion that it should be hidden or shameful. If we are open and unaffected, we make it more ‘normal’. The sooner we see it as ‘normal’ the better. Australian icons coming out, could do so much for young people struggling with their own sexuality.
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Nothing wrong with being private about your private life. I don’t like people holding it against suspects. I have never really talked about my relationships etc with my family or friends much. I don’t think my family (or many friends) would bat an eyelid if I rocked up to a family shindig with a chick. The fact that I’m pregnant MAY be a hint that I like blokes, but I think I’m one of those ambiguous people- I have gay and lesbian people either tell me I’m a dyke and need to get my shit together as one, or that I’m so straight may as well have a neon sign saying “token straight chick”. Not sure why it happens, but I think maybe people like Ian Thorpe and Pink must give off the same vibe? Who knows?
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I am not a fan of Ruby and the other stars mentioned. I support same sex rights 100 % though.
But like in America where they have awards for African Americans, we shouldn’t have to have ” special ” awards. I wish we lived in a world where no one would bat an eyelid if two men walked down the streets holding hands,
But I am not gay and if this helps young gay people then I am all for it.
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I’d also add Amanda Lampe, who is leaving her job as the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff to raise her twins with her partner.
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Woot woot for my man Trevor Ashley – an absolutely amazing man and someone I am proud to call a friend.
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I don’t understand all the backlash from who I admittedly assume to be mostly heterosexual commentators (and haven’t read all the comments, sorry – if there is a gay person against those awards here I’d love to hear your thoughts).
Yes, in an ideal world, we need not identify people based on their sexuality. But it reminds me of the line of criticism often expressed over giving Indigenous people ‘special privilege’ etc, we’re actively making them NOT equal.
There is something called positive discrimination – recognising a group is historically ostracised and issues over their social acceptability exist today. You cannot possibly argue gays are ‘free’ of scrutiny.
Why don’t we have the annual ‘heterosexual’ awards? Well we may as well have ‘Powerful White Men’ awards too. Because that is the norm! Do heterosexuals and powerful white men receive tonnes of discrimination in society?
These awards clearly mean a lot to a lot of people and are positive role models for gay people who may struggle with their sexuality. I think we should support them.
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I was totally gonna write this exact comment. Well said.
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Hear hear! I second that statement for the same reason we need to talk about the achievements (or failings) of women in power WITHOUT talking about their clothes, hair or marital/parental status. When straight white men are talked or written about in the same way that non-white or non-straight or non-male people are… then I’ll be really, really happy.
Imagine that. Tony Abbott (just an example but pick any bloke in power) described as a man who prefers wearing lycra to suits, noticed for when he has a hair cut and mentioned more for his marital status than his policies and beliefs… well, that’s just silly isn’t it?
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Exactly. I sort of tried to explain this in my comments further down. It drives me nuts when (usually straight) people say things like “why do gay people need to have a parade to express their sexuality?” in reference to Mardi Gras. They just don’t get it.
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I am so unaware of sexual orientation, I had no idea most of those people were gay! I’m a little sad about Josh Thomas though — i’ve got a bit of a crush on him.
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Me too! He’s such a cutie….and I also had no idea he was gay.
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Where is IAN THORPE????
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Ian Thorpe isn’t ‘out’.
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I’m sorry but it is the year 2011 right?
Why are we still defining people by their sexuality?
If, as a society we want everyone to feel equal and not singled out, if “minority groups” wish to stop being felt they are singled out and not equal, then it’s really time we stop identifying people by “what” they are [for lack of a better word] be it colour, race OR sexuality to name just a few.
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What you say makes a lot of sense.
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I agree, but the point is that they are still identified by their sexuality…so may as well celebrate it instead of acting like it doesn’t really matter and that we really are all equal when we’re not. Perhaps this provides inspiration to gay people? I don’t know. Just a thought.
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Because when people acknowledge with pride who they are they become role models for young people who are still finding their way and deciding if they are gay or not.
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LC has a really great comment lower down about heterosexual privilege, which i think answers your questions more eloquently than i could.
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Awww Nico. Thanks for the props!
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What about Christine Manfield, Kylie Kwong? Luke Nguyen?
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Kylie Kwong ? I must be blind. Seriously, I didn’t know that.
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“Luke Nguyen”
Damn, there’s another fantasy shot down in flames.
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I know. I have found myself almost wishing we were back in the day where we could have a nice sham marriage of convenience…
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Did I miss something? Are Kylie and Luke gay? I don’t mind either way but didn’t know that, are they out or have you outer them lol?
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I have mates in the GLBT community but am by no means down with the goss. If I know about them, it isn’t much of a secret!
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Luke isn’t gay. He has a girlfriend called Suzanna. He’s mentioned her in a number of interviews.
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Cool – I’m back in with a chance!
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My fave out Australians are Anton Enus and Sia (who is bisexual). Not a fan of Ruby Rose…don’t find her to be an interesting interviewer on MTV or the 7PM Project. To those who say that having this list is unnecessary or an example of separation…I read a touching story on AfterEllen.com, a site dedicated to commentary on the portrayal of lesbian and bisexual women in entertainment and the entertainment industry. A young girl in America was so depressed and lonely and scared about being gay that she took a gun and placed it in her mouth. She then remembered that she wanted to see what would happen to Naomi and Emily, a teenage lesbian couple on the UK teen drama ‘Skins’. She took the gun out of her mouth, and she lived. My point is: visibility matters. So much.
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I second Anton Enus. I just love his voice!
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I remember being SO ANGRY with my in-laws when they were complaining that a gay man had been appointed to the High Court. They were upset because, and I quote, “he’s going to be more lenient on paedophiles”. MY BRAIN NEARLY EXPLODED!!!!
The only response that I could give without damaging family relations was “well, I think he’s more likely to give paedophiles tougher sentences, because he knows people like you are watching his every move”.
Words cannot describe how upset I was – still am, actually. As I type this, my heart is racing and my stomach feels sick. How DARE they??!!!!!
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UGH! Once i had this cab driver who was so against gays it wasn’t even funny, he kept going on & on about how he wouldn’t let his kids near gay people, and their “not human” and shouldn’t be able to adopt babies. Consequently, I’m gay & I ended up yelling a few swear words with him and not paying the cab charge. How dare he.
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Aww Jacqui! So true! I think he is a wonderful man, an out & proud partner in a gay relationship and the show on ABCTV (pretty sure it was Compass last year) made me even more sure of my respect and admiration for him – both professionally and personally.
High Court’s win was also Australian society’s ..I got to see him on the Full Bench when visiting the High Court before he retired.
The other reason I admire him as an influential person is that given his age, he had to battle many stereotypes and laws to even be the man he wanted to be. His role in assigning superannuation benefits (amongst others) to partners in same sex relationship was lif-changing I believe!
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Justice Michael Kirby was the guest speaker at our law graduation back in the late 90′s. He is truly inspirational and reading his judgements in comparison to other Justices was an absolute pleasure. I love him.
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Agree with that entire comment Bejazzled. His judgments are so refreshing to read, especially around issues like property settlement. He is so progressive.
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My brain nearly exploded reading what your in laws said!
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Sound like my dad and in laws sadly:(
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Maybe I’m a bit naive here but I don’t get the connection between gay men and paedophilia? It doesn’t make any sense to me – anyone could inappropriately target a young person, gay or otherwise.
Would have been difficult to enjoy the rest of your meal with them after that comment!
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it makes no sense, even on the most logical level. Here goes- most pedophiles are male. Most victims of pedophilia are female. So how does that make pedophiles gay?????
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My MIL told me she would have kicked my husband out of the house forever if he was gay. She said she would disown him and never see him again. So bizarre
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i fell in love with matthew mitcham when he won his medals, he was so excited.
i think to be out and proud is still a relative achievement, so i guess that is why we need these awards. one day, hopefully soon, we might look back and giggle that they were even necessary
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Love sia!!! She is so amazing and quirky and creates such brilliant music!
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Why was’nt Ian Thorpe on the list?? (stir stir)
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Justice Kirby, Justice Kirby! He’s my favourite, hands down, and has had the most influence on me. I was so sad when he left the bench =(
Next favourite is Josh Thomas.
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Yes he is my favourite and I was really upset too!
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That’s fantastic. But do you think the people on this list like to be classified because of their sexual orientation? I don’t see a list of the 25 most influential hetrosexual people, do you? Equality isn’t such a dirty word, but people sure as hell treat it like it is.
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Also, I think it’s bullshit that having these sorts of lists is news worthy. How dare we segregate ourselves or others this way? How dare we talk about it like it’s important and therefore make it something to talk about and dwell on? How dare the gay and lesbian community act like they are hard done by because they are gay or lesbians? How dare the hetro community bait them (the gays and lesbians) so they react in this manner?
But seeing as everyone here is smart and amazingly astute, you already knew that. Right?
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Just like AFL gets the Brownlow Medal and other ‘interests’ get to celebrate their area of special interest I think is simply that…. a celebration.
If not of interest then easily ignored. But if you’re struggling with your orientation, or lack of support network, or feeling powerless just maybe seeing others overcome adversity might be a positive thing for you.
Just a thought.
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I’m so torn on this one:
On the one hand it’s great to have some role models so that ppl who are struggling to come to terms with their sexuality can have some light and hope.
On the other hand it kinda irks me that these people are being defined by their sexuality first and foremostly (I see your point Sarah O.) I think we all know that The most powerful GLBTG people are most likely to be fully out and thats their perogative. It’s like saying “the most famous substance abuser” or “most famous person with a mental health issue”. Generally those things are unknown about a person unless they disclose it.
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I don’t know if you meant it this way or not, so I’m sorry if I’ve just interpreted this wrong – but I don’t think you can equate being gay with being identified as a substance abuser or a mental health issue, for obvious reasons I should think.
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Using the Brownlow Medal as an example, you have to have a certain amount of skill and talent ( ? ) to be in the running to receive an award for sporting excellence. You require no special skill or talent to be gay, straight…white, black…tall, short etc. I can only begin to imagine the outcry if there was such a thing as an award for the achievements of straight caucasians and it was advertised as such.
This isn’t a criticism. It’s an observation.
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Bradley, but they were named on this list for being influential. You’re not born that way, it’s a result if what you have achieved in your life and/or career.
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They are ‘Hard Done By’ try going to a school where everyone talks about you because of your sexuality, then you’ll know why we need to have one of these lists.
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Sarah – for the record.
the GLBT community ARE hard done by society.
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@Sarah O “Equality isn’t such a dirty word, but people sure as hell treat it like it is.”
Because it’s not about *equality* it’s about *equity*. The issue here is that being part of a minority group means that these people have a harder time getting to the same level of achievement as a ‘straight’ person does. As more people within that minority group achieves success, there will be less and less need for these types of lists, but there’s still so much implied discrimination and hatred or at least animosity directed towards GLBT people that we need to continue them. (I write as a straight person with many many GLBT friends and colleagues).
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Excellent point re: equality v equity.
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What is this list even about?
I love Sia’s music. LOVE IT. I didn’t know she was gay.
I voted Green for their education policies. I didn’t know Bob Brown is gay.
The only time I’ve seen Ruby Rose is in pictures regarding her clothes, and her clothes don’t influence or inspire me in the slightest. I have no opinion of her at all.
Penny Wong is against gay marriage, so that isn’t very influential on the gay-front.
This list is friggen stupid if you ask me. These people aren’t influential because they are gay! Who even cares they are gay? Not me!
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penny wong isn’t necessarily against gay marriage, but the labor party, at this stage is. i don’t think you can assume what her thoughts on the issue are.
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Of course you can’t assume what Penny Wong’s thoughts on gay marriage are. She wants to win pre-selection for her very safe senate position again. She wouldn’t dare to voice an opinion that was out of step with the ALP.
How I wish that she had the guts to do so !
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You get kicked out of the party if you go against party lines. Plus at the South Australia Labor Conference she was talking in favour of gay marriage.
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Her priority to stay in parliament is obviously her first priority,then.
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i don’t think you assume that either. although she has worked damned hard to get where she is of course she wouldn’t just walk away from it…. no one would.
more importantly, i think she probably knows that she can work with others to bring this issue to the forefront. she can work from within the party to argue for change.
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she originally said she supported the ALP’s stance, but later said she supported gay marriage, I’m pretty sure.
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she did come out after the election and say she supported buy during the campaign she didn’t. i understood that she needed to tow the party line.
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To clarify two things. Sia is openly bisexual. Penny Wong does her work for gay marriage behind the scenes, just not in the public eye. And she has apparently made good progress.
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@rainbow & AKane….I’d like to see her work a little less bekind the scenes and become a little more open about the subject in public. That’s all.
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i can see what you are saying but i think the reality of politics is that she can’t
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Um Shelly, I think you missed the point -’These people aren’t influential because they are gay!’ – it’s not celebrating people who are influential because they’re gay, it’s celebrating gay people who are have high profile success (i.e. to show other GLBT people that your sexuality doesn’t impede your success like it used to). In days gone by, and still sometimes today unfortunately, people hide their sexuality because they think it will make them less desirable for jobs, to the public etc. The fact that people like yourself don’t care if people are gay is great, but some people do and for this reason, until nobody gives a damn about people’s sexuality it’s necessary to promote them in a good light which isn’t how they have been shown in the past.
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Can we just get over it people!! As long as you’re a decent, kind, respectful human being, I truly don’t care who you have sex with. It makes no difference to me. Nor should it to anyone else.
Otherwise, let’s start giving out awards to the most influential people born with brown hair….blue eyes….or sticky-out belly buttons.
Trish
xx
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People who are openly gay sadly but truly risk their careers, their relationships, harassment, discrimination, and even at times their lives.
It takes no courage to live in the world with brown hair or blue eyes.
It takes applaudable courage to live your life honestly as an openly gay person. to the people on this list, and the many others who are not, I applaud you, and hope, believe and work towards the day when you can live your life honestly and freely without fear of reprisal, to your career, relationships, future, or life.
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I have 2 gay siblings (who I love dearly) and I have seen the hell that they’ve been through. My point (which clearly I didn’t make very well) was that I am tired of waiting for society to “clue in” to the fact that being gay is really no different to being born with brown hair or blue eyes. It’s just another part of who we are. When that day (and that level of acceptance) finally arrives, gay people, like my siblings, will no longer need to endure the types of things you refer to. Like many other people, I am just impatient for that day to come.
Trish
xx
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Kelli Underwood lives with her girlfriend in my street. I think she’s out and proud (well she doesn’t hid her GF anyway, see them together all the time in high st – and her GF is HOT)
she has made HUGE inroads in the male dominated AFL
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Misty how do you know kelli is gay or has come out i couldnt find anything on the internet about it? Maybe she isnt out cause wouldnt that be all over the net like it was when sarah mcleod came out, i like kelli i seen her at the netball in adelaide with liz ellis she seems cool and is hot!! So do you know her girlfriend are you sure its not just a friend she lives with, have you seen them kiss? What high street? There’s a few in victoria..
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Bob Brown and Justice Kirby are my faves on the list.
Disappointed that Portia deRossi isnt on the list. Find her inspiring, for having a asuccessful Hollywood career, and also actually married. Her book is amazing – it has really challenged my thinking on eating issues.
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What about Dr Kerryn Phelps – she was head of the AMA and has done loads
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she tops most influential Australians, period!
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Gay, straight, bi. Don’t really give a toss. Just be the best person that you can be. What more needs to be said ?
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Ruby Rose ? If it weren’t for the fact that she’s an out and proud lesbian, I doubt that she’d be influencing anyone other than herself. Personally, I’ve yet to discover what’s fascinating or influencial about her.
To be honest, I can’t point to any gay, lesbian or transgender celebrity who has influenced me to any degree. I think that Carlotta is magnificent, always have. A few weeks back I saw a fantastic gay entertainer called iOTA who was part of a David Bowie tribute show. I suppose that you could say that he has influenced me to want to see any show that he’s in.
The gay person who has played the strongest influence in my life is the friend who I lost to cancer a year or so back. He stopped me from completely losing it during my divorce. Thank God he was there to get me through the lead up and there to stop me from falling once the paperwork had been signed.
Love you, mate. I really do owe you my life !
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I think a drop-dead gorgeous young and articulate woman, doing her thing without making any apologies for her sexuality might influence young Australians to be out and proud, about whoever they are, and help make life a little free-er for us all. It’s a bit of a disservice to RR to suggest she has not talent or skills for the work she’s doing.
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agree willyway.
plenty of hot straight people are considered influential…Right or wrongly….
Ruby Rose is hot!!
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But Bradley you aren’t a young Gay/Lesbian who needs to know that things are going to get better, that in a world where alot of the time you’re being judged just because of who you sleep with there are people who are out there trying to make a difference for you or just plain succeeding despite the haters. You aren’t the person who needs to be inspired and/or influenced.
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Ruby Rose is your thing. She’s not mine. I’m not questioning your appreciation or opinion of Ruby Rose. Please afford me the right to say that I simply can’t work out what the fuss is about.
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I have no problem with your not getting Ruby Rose nor your voicing your opinion however your statement was “To be honest, I can’t point to any gay, lesbian or transgender celebrity who has influenced me to any degree.”
My point was that just because they don’t influence you doesn’t mean they aren’t influential.
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Didn’t say that. I indicated that I didn’t believe that I been personally influenced by any gay, lesbian or transgender celebrity. Went on to tell of the greatest influence a gay person has had on my life. You’ll never read about him in Who Weekly or see him on TV but as long as I live…he’s the biggest star that has ever walked God’s green Earth.
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you did say that it was a direct quote! and I wasn’t taking away from your friend who got you through what must have been a terrible time. People are influenced by different things and different people (in your case your excellent friend). Personally as much as I lust after and admire Ruby Rose she doesn’t influence me but I still acknowledge that she and all the others on this list are influential people even not if to you (or me in some cases) personally.
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Of course some people will be influenced by gay, lesbian and transgender celebrities. I just didn’t say that in my original quote. All that I indicated was that I didn’t believe that I had been influenced to any great point.
If you get inspiration from someone like RR, terrific. As I say, she’s just not my cup of tea.
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Yay for Matt Mitcham…
My sister is an ex diver and has known him for years. We were:
- SO proud when he won an Olympic gold medal (jumping up and down in tears kind of proud)
- Double proud that he did it being true to who he is (despite “political” pressure from a former coach, I kid you not, did not believe gay people existed – there’s a reason he’s not an AIS athlete any more)
- And triple proud when he was on the front cover of every paper in the land the morning after he won gold.
Since then, he’s proven to be nothing but a class act and genuine all round good guy, setting a great example for younger Australians, whether they’re gay, straight, whatever.
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I am:
- Really wishing he was straight. What a hottie!
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Ruby Rose is sexy <3
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hell yes!!!!!!!!!!
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What about Anton Enus, he reaches a very wide demographic as an SBS newsreader.
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I like him
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I just love listening to him pronounce Benyamin Netanyahu and Slobodan Milosevich! He’s great, Anton that is, not the other two.
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Love him too. But I don’t think he’s there anymore.
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I don’t think we will reach an age of genuine sexual equality until we stop making a big deal out of who is gay and who is not. What would happen if we had hetero awards? Absurd. So why are queer awards applauded? Gay, straight, bi, whatever. We’re all just people! Sexuality is one component of who we are, not the sole categoriser.
I think the same goes for “natural” women and plus-size models. I will applaud a magazine the day it publishes a cover or feature with various body shapes and sizes without drawing attention to that choice. That’s equality.
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I think there will come a day when it doesn’t matter but right now these people should be applauded for being gay and proud and achieving so much through adversity. We can’t pretend that it was as easy for these people to reach these places in their careers as it was for hetero people. Living outside the “norms” that society dictates is hard work!
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I didn’t even know half of these individuals were gay. It doesn’t matter to me, and I think (being a writer and a huge consumer of media) if I am unaware of their sexual orientation, it’s a good, healthy sign!
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Whilst teenagers are still taking their own lives through fear of revealing their sexuality let the awards for those they can admire who are out and proud keep coming.
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I hear you, but how great would it be if no-one needed to come out or feel suicidal about being gay/bi/whatever?
Some great day maybe we wouldn’t have to worry about anyone’s sexuality for any reason (unless we are wondering if someone hot will reject us because we’re not their thing, maybe).
I hope that the day does arrive!
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Someone’s never heard of the concept of privilege…
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huh?
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Privilege is the idea that some people are automatically afforded special rights or benefits or advantages, purely because of their circumstances – even if they don’t think they are.
e.g. “white privilege” is the idea that “whites view their social, cultural, and economic experiences as a norm that everyone should experience, rather than as an advantaged position that must be maintained at the expense of others”. (I got that from Wikipedia!)
Being hetero is the “norm” therefore hetero people don’t really have a NEED to have their own awards. Does that make sense?
While I agree that sexuality is only part of who we are, I think that those who are in the minority should be allowed and encouraged to celebrate and educate however they see fit.
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Thanks, LC!
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so true, thanks!
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well said. Double-thumbs up.
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“I don’t think we will reach an age of genuine sexual equality until we stop making a big deal out of who is gay and who is not.”
Or, alternatively,
I don’t think we can stop making a big deal out of who is gay and who is not until we reach an age of genuine sexual equality.
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Hmm.. I agree Bowerbird.
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I TOTALLY agree! Well said
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Ruby Rose needs to be bumped off the list.
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Why?
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Look at the other people on that list. Look at what they are doing to make the world better. What is Ruby Rose doing? Posing for FHM and vommiting on TV after drinking too much.
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she loses me with the tatts
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Same Lu.
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huh? what do her tattoos have to do with anything?
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What she does and who she sleeps with is irrelevant to me because I struggle to take anyone seriously who looks like a walking cartoon. Probably not popular and thats ok, its just my opinion.
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LU = Judgemental
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Ruby Rose is suffering the same kind of judgment as Nicole Kidman, let’s try to stick to the positives and not attack her looks
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Lana !!!!!!! Thrice !!!! You are definitely becoming my Hero of the Hour.
As open minded as some of us like to believe ourselves to be, unfortunate as it is, to some extent our opinions of others is often influenced by their appearance. I’m not saying that I agree with that, it’s just the way that it is.
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Bradley!! I’m Nicky not Lana
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Sorry, Nicky. I got all flummoxed, what with 3 red cards being handed out during the course of the one afternoon. Keep up the great work. Good to see that the watchers are indeed watching !
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I’m so fed up with having an opinion being classed as judgemental if its not in keeping with the popular PC group.
I am not saying she’s a bad person, I am not criticising her lifestyle or her career. I think she’s a beautiful looking woman, her youth initiatives are honorable and find her quite funny. I simply stated that as a 41yo woman, I personally find people who choose to cover their body in tattoos lose their credibility and look rather silly.
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I think the reason Lu has been seen as being judgemental is the choice of words – lifestyle in particular. The word ‘lifestyle’ is often used as code to denigrate gay people as being gay is seen as being a choice, rather than a biological imperative of that person.
BTW, I’m 40 and have a lot of tatts… and I’d like to think I’m a credible person within my profession. Each to their own…
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Actually I meant ‘lifestyle’ to mean that she clearly lives life in the fast lane and likes to party……when I was referring to her being gay I said I dont care who she sleeps with. I really dont care.
However, when people choose to have tattoos in places that are very visible they are doing it to be noticed and they have to know that sometimes it will be in a good way and just as often in a bad way. Thats why so many people have them in private places that nobody else will see.
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Ruby Rose is a household name who has achieved alot in her choosen profession and now branched out into fashion all whilst being proudly out. She also does ALOT of work with school bullying. I find her inspiring and that’d dtand even if she wasn’t absolutely stunning and totally on my freebie list!
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Why she is a celebrity is beyond me, and if it wasn’t for the fact that she’s a celebrity I doubt that she’d have a fashion line.
She is one those people who is famous for being famous.
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She became known because she was on TV how is that any different from an awful lot of other celebrities? Her fame nowdays may be alot to do with because she’s already well known but how many celebrities aren’t “famous for being famous” as you put it? They only stay famous as long as they are in the public eye. As for her fashion line I say go her for using her notoriety to give her a leg up into a notoriously hard to break into industry that she has a passion for.
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Yeah…and Bert Newton is famous for being on TV, too ! I like Bert. Some think that he’s past it. That’s their right. We all have a right to worship who we wan’t to worship at the altar of celebrity.
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and many would say that he is influential at least within the world of Australian TV
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Yes, many would say that Bert is influential in the world of TV, including me. Many would disagree.
Wanna know what ? I’d let ‘em, because it’s their right to disagree.
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Bradley, no she hasnt. She’s a really good DJ (which you may not realise), she also hosts a TV show I think, and has featured on some pretty mainstream shows (launch of 7pm).
Just because you don’t know who she is dosen’t make her less fine to be on the list.
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Oh, I know who she is alright. I’m just not as into her as you might be. Again, I’m not questioning or opposing your views about what makes her popular. She simply doesn’t rank on my playlist. You go right ahead and think that she’s great. I respect your opinion and the right to express it. I’m sure that you’ll return the favour.
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I question the assertion that she’s a household name – I’m sure I’m not the only person who’s never heard of her. From what people are saying, doesn’t sound like I want to.
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Peter Hitchener (Melbourne’s channel 9 newsreader), I think he reaches a demographic that *most* of the others above would not.
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Is Peter Hitchener gay? I didn’t know that. Best newsreader ever.
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Juanita Phillips is the best newsreader ever.
Just saying
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Best newsreader ever was Tracey Challinor from 7 in Brisbane. You understood every word that she said. Lovely person and a real cutie, to boot !
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sorry guys best news reader is neralda jacobs
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Actually, it’s Lee Lin Chin. Hands down.
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ditto Narelda Jacobs, channel 10 newsreader in WA. hottie. and bonus Aboriginal too! omg did i think that or write that?
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Can I just say how much I completely ADORE Josh Thomas. I have seen him perform his stand up material numerous times and I love his sense of humour.
He is so entertaining and he is definately one of my favourite comedians. If you have a chance to go and see him on his comedy tour this year – GO GO GO and see him. You won’t regret it.
Go Joshy
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I can’t STAND him. I just find him an annoying little twat… not funny or entertaining in any way… simply irritating. (sorry, each to their own)
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No-way Mary-Jane!!!!!
Gonna have to disagree with you on this one!
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i don’t like him, purely because i am on TEAM TOM BALLARD (his ex who hosts the breakfast shoe on triple j) which is stupid, as they’re still friends, ha.
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It embarrasses me that he represents Gen Y. I don’t find him funny nor that intelligent.
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Josh Thomas ????? I can’t believe that he’s a comedian !
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I just get irritated watching Talkin Bout Your Generation, because it seems that Josh has lived his entire life under a rock. Some BASIC things he just has no clue about, and he gives the rest of us a bad name!
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Sometimes he seems like the stereotypical Gen Y (if it didn’t happen on the internet, it didn’t happen), and with the attention span of – oooh look, something shiny.
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I KNOW! gggggrrrrrr
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Love him or hate him, let’s not attack personalities and stick to the question – Who do you think wields the most power? Anyone forgotten?
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Whoops – not meant to be an attack. A slight niggle, that’s all.
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What about Rick?
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mmm very good point.
he’ll be there next year for sure
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Bob Brown for PM!
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We can both rest easy in the knowledge that this will never occur !
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Michael Kirby is my hero. What an amazing man.
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This list is awesome! Makes me so happy to see that people can be successful and admired AND gay!
I also had no idea Sia was gay, good to see it doesn’t matter so much these days though. Ten years ago everyone would have known if someone famous was openly gay.
I also think it’s great that sports men and women have been able to come out, I’ve heard that a lot of elite sportspeople don’t because of fear of vilification – so awful!
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Sia! She’s amazing. she used to date JD Samson from Le Tigre.
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And she is HILARIOUS too. One of the funniest interviews I’ve ever heard was a couple of years ago with her a Dools on Triple J. Made me not mind the traffic!
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I have to say that I didn’t know who Sia was until the Arias… then I had to google her. Not really a fan of her music but I second the statement about it not mattering about her sexuality.
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Nathalie Callender amazing singer from the Canadian Band Sugarbeach
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Yes Ro, I agree Nathalie Callender from Sugarbeach rocks! She married a Canadian and is doing huge stuff for the community. She’s also just launched a new TV channel and website RightOutTV featuring Out musicians music videos – very cool and timely.
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Yay for this list!
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forgive me for I have just crawled out from a rock…. I didn’t know Sia was gay!
And where is Thorpie? I thought he would of made the list by now.
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I don’t think he is officially out yet.
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Is Thorpie out?
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Thorpie isn’t out! In fact quite the opposite – denies it. I believe him, but yesterday when he announced his comeback…I had more questions than ever!
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I couldn’t stop wondering why his face was so brown and shiny – it totally distracted me from what he was saying!
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Hey, is there another Claire C, I’ve been using this name for ages?
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Thorpie seems gay, but surely if he was he would admit it? What’s the big deal these days?
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he might now know yet….some people take a while to figure it out for themselves?????
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There is still a stigma attached to gay athletes/sportspeople, especially when they are still competing.
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Thorpie isn’t out, although a couple of very different friends of mine (one an inner-city gay man, one a country housewife) have said that they know for a fact he dates men. Maybe he’s splitting hairs by justifying it to himself as “I’m bi, therefore I feel ok about denying that I’m gay” or maybe he’s denying it under pressure from sponsors, but in this day&age of Matthew Mitcham and Daniel Kowalski being out, I’d have hoped the world was past caring.
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Daniel Kowalski didn’t come out until after he’d retired, though.
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I think you might be right about him being bi. I have a mutual friend (girl) received flowers from him at her work. She went to Macquarie uni with Thorpie.
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I think you’re dreaming if you think it would have no effect for someone interested in big bucks mainstream advertising dollars like Thorpie is to be honest about being gay. Are any of the currently out and proud celebs/sports stars headlining any major advertising campaigns/tv shows etc? As soon as Thorpie admits he is gay, his plans for things like mens perfume and clothing get shunted to a much smaller target market.
I have no idea whether Ian Thorpe is gay, straight or undefined and think that if you’re supportive of sexual freedom you shouldn’t feel the need to discuss and speculate about it.
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He’s not gay! I love him and I’m pretty sure we’re destined to fall in love and get married.
Besides being the future love of my life, he seems like a pretty easy going guy who wouldn’t be super concerned about hiding his sexuality. Especially when he does so much charity work, he seems like if he had the ability to raise awareness for gay rights by coming out publicly and being a role model, he would be keen to do it.
But who knows. Doesn’t really matter. Either way I’m happy he’s coming back to swimming, and in smaller swimming suits this time.
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I thought that about George Michael in the 1980′s and early 90′s……still coming to terms with it….
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Best part of Live Aid – straight Elton and straight George doing a duet of Don’t Let Your Son Go Down On Me.
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surely it’s none of our business if he likes men, women or frogs? Until/if he decides to share this with us, I’m not comfortable speculating.
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What a wonderful list full of diversity in age and occupation.
Justice Michael Kirby wins my vote for being out and proud, a very brave thing in his generation.
It’s great that we live in a time when so many high profile people have nothing to fear by living truthfully.
Now all we need are equal rights for everyone.
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It’s Daniel Kowalski not David Kowalski.
And when are you going to fix these ‘image’ posts so the page doesn’t reload everytime you want to look at the next picture?
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Thanks L! Typo has been fixed and we are looking into the page reloading issue.
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Speaking of tech issues, i can never see the people’s names because the arrows cover them!
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What browser do you use?
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internet explorer, most recent download.
it always happens actually, just not on this one.
its hard to read the title of the picture with the over lap!!!
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I think it depends on your computer? Mine doesn’t reload on Safari on my Mac but it does when I’m on the iPad
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also you can’t read the headings of the pics, they blend into the NEXT and PREV headings – is anyone else having this issue?
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yup
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