The Greatest Menace

Inside the Gay Prison Experiment

By: Patrick Abboud, Simon Cunich

Narrated by: Patrick Abboud

Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2022 Lockdown Productions Pty Ltd. (P)2022 Audible Australia Pty Ltd.

A shocking revelation into Queer culture

As a gay journalist in the U.S., the immense work and detail that went into bringing these stories to life in this podcast is beyond amazing. Thank you Patrick and all of the brave queer people who shared their stories. 10/10 recommend!

Interesting

Very interesting but also very sad. I can’t imagine what all those mean had to endure.

Amazing

Just amazing I can’t believe what I have just finished listening too. A listen for all that’s for sure

Must read!!

Loved it and it opened my eyes a whole lot!! Mahalo for writing and exposing the corruption or the government and systems.

Shame was weaponised

What an incredibly disturbing story yet weaved with multiple uplifting stories of strength within it including that of the narrator. What struck and has stayed with me is as was stated in the podcast “shame was weaponised” . As an avid follower of Brene Brown and her research on shame I hope she listens to this. This story needs to be heard wider so the shame land in the hand of where it belongs, the people who made and enforced these laws and conducted these experiments.

Thank you for researching and writing this excellent podcast. You’ve exposed a piece of history that we need to know about. The love comes through Eternal Thanks.

Brilliant investigation and reporting!

Patrick Abboud and Simon Cunich brilliantly performed a life saving service for those who been targeted by weaponized shaming. Thank you, Patrick, for introducing me to heroes like Jacquie Grant. The Greatest Menace is a masterpiece.

Captivating story

I’m a gay man in America but to learn about a gay prison anywhere in the world was a shock this story is full of Mystery and secrets lots of twists and some truly amazing people it captivated me

Sad and interesting look into history of bigotry

The horrible treatment of gay men, in particular, has been appalling throughout the world. This particular story shows the ugliness we humans can perpetuate on each other.

Being homosexual has never been contagious. The fear of finding out one is homesexual is. I do, most definitely, blame people in the past for their intolerance. Homosexuals are just people who happen to like sex a little different than many. Show me a cis (straight) man who doesn't think of sticking his pens in pretty much any hole available.

Informative

Loved getting to hear people's first hand experiences, definitely would recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the lgbtq+ community back in the day in Australia. I my self hadn't heard about the prison before and I it was fascinating to learn about.