The Greatest Menace cover art

The Greatest Menace

Inside the Gay Prison Experiment

Preview

The Greatest Menace

By: Patrick Abboud, Simon Cunich
Narrated by: Patrick Abboud
Listen for free

About this listen

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.
Gay Studies Funny
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

What listeners say about The Greatest Menace

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    100
  • 4 Stars
    15
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    102
  • 4 Stars
    10
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    102
  • 4 Stars
    8
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A fascinating story

For all heterosexuals who lived through the 50s and 60s this is required listening.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible story

Very well researched and produced podcast into a horrifying part of Australia's history. Essential listening.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Startling documentary

A must listen for sure. Note that the NSW was predominately catholic. ... says a lot.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great quality audiobook

Very well produced audiobook. It's like you're there with the author when he conducts the interviews.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!