Queanbeyan playwright Tommy Murphy has found himself in distinguished company on the Same Same list of the 25 most influential gay and lesbian Australians.

He’s up there with the likes of politicians Bob Brown and Penny Wong and former judge Michael Kirby in the recently released list, nicknamed ”the Gaylies”.

”It’s a bit of a surprise to be included in that list because there are some very inspiring people on it,” Murphy said yesterday.

”It’s always a wonderful thing to be loud and proud about being gay in Australia.” Others on the list he considered more deserving include Wendell Rosevear, who runs a drug and alcohol recovery group and helps sexually assaulted men; and official secretary to the Governor-General, Stephen Brady.

Murphy, who is working on a new play, said marriage equality was the issue he would most like to influence. He had been with his boyfriend Dane Crawford for 11 years and their relationship wasn’t acknowledged. ”That is the next battle.”

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For Tommy Murphy’s Samesame 25 profile, click here