Some of Australia’s top musicians have been recognised as some of the most influential members of the local gay and lesbian community. They are part of the Same Same 25, a list of iconic Australian gays and lesbians.
Darren Hayes made his name as one half of pop group Savage Garden. When the band dissolved in 2001, Darren set upon creating a more honest public persona. He came out in 2006, after marrying his partner Richard Cullen, and since then has spoken openly about his sexuality. He headlined the London Gay Pride event at Trafalgar Square in June.
iOTA began his career as a rock musician, but lately he’s better known for his gender-bending roles in musical theatre. He won a Helpmann award for his starring role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch this year, and will play Dr Frank N Furter in a 2008 production of The Rocky Horror Show.
“I never really ever thought of myself as a role model,” iOTA told Same Same. “Since hearing about this I’ve really sat and wondered why someone would see me as influential. Perhaps it’s because I’ve done good things? I’ve always thought that I was more of a bad influence than anything!”
You may not know his name, but I bet you’ve heard the music of David Page. He’s written pieces for the ABC, SBS, a range of short films, the Bangarra Dance Theatre, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Olympics, and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games! With such an impressive résumé, you’d expect David to be a role model to many but he’s humble about his inclusion in the Same Same list.
“Well, you don’t usually think of being in that position when you’re just doing what you’re doing,” he told Same Same. “I love my work, I love what I do.”
Members of the public can visit the Same Same website to vote for their favourite members of the top 25.
Image source: Maggz Appleton @ Wikimedia Commons