Blackwater

This a hard hitting story from @Topher Lydon , parts of which some readers will find very difficult to read.

At the heart of the story are 30 young boys, who are sent to Blackwater for being the wrong type of person. The horrors that they are forced to deal with, are totally brutal,physical and psychologically disturbing.

This story gives us a glimpse into the horrors that gay men faced in the 1950 and 1960 that lead to untold horrors.

It is a wonderful read, that deserves to be read. It will make you angry, scream and totally disgusted by inhumane treatments.

Highly recommended.

This amazing story is @Topher Lydon's testimony and a tribute honoring the memory of the victims of the 1950s and 1960s prosecution of gay and bisexual men in the UK. It is a dark story that punches you directly in the gut, one that shows both the lowest and the highest in humankind.

At the center of the story is a group of boys, guilty of loving the "wrong" person, locked inside a dark and ruthless correction facility set in an old fortress above the North Sea. When social status and wealth no longer matter - just the warm hug of the boy beside you - and the enemy is determined to erase you physically and psychologically, the unity of the pack and a strong will become their sole weapons.

A warning to readers should be noted that some parts are very difficult to read due to the brutality and torture. Yet, the importance of the subject and @Topher Lydon's magnificent writing makes it an absolute must-read.

Once upon a time, young gay men had to lead their lives hidden away and in secret. Society wanted us hidden away, or better yet, treated and cured.

From my comment in the last chapter, and if you think it can’t happen now or here, think again.

I need some time to think about this story. I’m old enough to remember these/those days, I cast my first presidential vote for George McGovern and saw Ronald Rayguns for the fool he was…

And the harm done by Jerry Falwell, Anita Bryant, the Moral Majority with their contract on America, Newt Gringrich and the words to use when demonizing democrats, the man who led the impeachment process against Bill Clinton, and at the same time cheating on his dying wife. And then cheating on wife #2…

And the list is endless, not forgetting Elizabeth Taylor, Ryan White and Elton John, the AIDS Quilt, Dr Facui, Mathew Sheppard….Heros

Lest we never forget those who fought the battles, paid the price for the freedom we have as gay men.

This is a very well written book that shines a very bright light on a very brutal crackdown on people who are different and misunderstood because “Society” has deemed them dangerous. I want to offer a warning that this book covers systemic ruthless abuse of young men and boys and is hard to read. I strongly advise you to read so that you are better prepared! Professor Lydon has done extensive research, and you will not be disappointed! 👏❤️😃

We are told that Fort Blackwater "   the remote fortress on the North Sea offers only one path to freedom: break, or be broken. " We will find out how 30 young men found unhealthy by society face severe hardships, debilitating pain and sick treatment options that seem to not offer that any encouraging reason that they can possibly endure

The are ruled by two different torturers at Fort Blackwood  with different and still very cruel methods of ruling them. The prisoners are severely punished, but the find ways to band together and struggle to keep hope alive. Read on to find out how they scheme and cope. Will anyone find out how terrible the conditions are and find real solutions? Will anyone help them? Will the two cruel overseers get away with their cruelty unpunished?

You will be shocked to read the evidence of what happened during this historical people when the law discovered gay and punished men. Fort Blackwood helps show how wrong the policies can be in action.