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The Greatest Menace
- Inside the Gay Prison Experiment
- Narrated by: Patrick Abboud
- Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins
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The Greatest Menace
Summary
Gold winner in the Social Justice Podcast category, and awarded Bronze in the Serialized Podcast and Narrative/Documentary Podcast categories at the 2022 New York Festivals Radio Award
Please note: Contains strong language and adult content.
Tucked away amongst snow-covered mountains is a tiny Australian town with a dark secret. Journalist Patrick Abboud hears whispers that it was once home to the world’s only 'gay prison'. A prison that specifically incarcerated gay men. His investigation into what happened inside reveals the full story for the first time. This queer true-crime journey takes you from underground nightclubs to hidden sex haunts, to remote parts of New Zealand and England. You’ll find yourself entangled in a police cover up, a case of wrongful conviction and a human experiment that didn’t go to plan. At the centre of it all was a covert government operation to eradicate 'the greatest menace to society': homosexuality.
Written by Simon Cunich and Patrick Abboud.
Presented by Patrick Abboud. This Audible Original is produced by Lockdown Productions Pty Ltd.
Patrick Abboud was the Jesse Cox Audio Fellow 2020, with support from its founding sponsor Audible, its production partner Unison Sound and its festival partners Third Coast International Audio Festival and Audiocraft Podcast Festival.
What listeners say about The Greatest Menace
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rowan Calver
- 15-01-23
So good!
Everyone should listen to this. Narrated amazingly + so fascinating. So sad to learn about what happened but I hope times have changed for the better.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 29-04-22
A fascinating story
For all heterosexuals who lived through the 50s and 60s this is required listening.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 17-08-22
How far we’ve come
An extremely moving podcast that shows how much attitudes have changed in the last 70 years. Beautifully narrated by the researcher, shining a light on a hidden prison and the repercussions of repressive anti-homosexuality laws.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- TheZee
- 20-02-22
And the truth wins
I listened to this podcast with bated breath and optimism even though I knew there would be difficult facts to unfold.
This notorious idea of a prison just for gay men is abhorrent and so far from the mind of those who believe in inclusion.
I am glad that this podcast exists so that many shamed people can find solace in their truth for the better.
Patrick and Simon have given the world a gift worth every pain to bring it forth.
Human evolution is slow and yet in our time it's time to accept that different doesn't mean bad. This podcast is proof the truth wins and no laws can control it.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stephen Lennon
- 17-11-22
Most interesting.
very unusual and little known story from Australia's past. I'm surprised it has not gotten more traction in the media. The host was good but a shame the way he treated the men who so kindly allowed themselves to be interviewed. He makes quite mean spirited remarks on their physical appearance.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Strawberry Thief
- 21-02-22
Incredible story
Very well researched and produced podcast into a horrifying part of Australia's history. Essential listening.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-06-23
Startling documentary
A must listen for sure. Note that the NSW was predominately catholic. ... says a lot.
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- Eleonora
- 05-03-22
Definitely worth listening to
Short but thorough podcast telling the story of author's research for Australian government's report on tests on gay inmates at Cooma's male prison in the 60s and 70s. I was horrified while listening to some of the victims' stories but also happy to learn about the movement leading to the recognition of gay people's rights.
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- Londongayle
- 17-09-22
Fascinating yet shocking listen
I’m shocked to learn about the laws in Australia and the stories of entrapment and that it was going on during my childhood.
A great documentary and my heat goes out to everyone who suffered during this awful times.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Zsolt Kutyik
- 15-05-22
Great quality audiobook
Very well produced audiobook. It's like you're there with the author when he conducts the interviews.
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