Criminally Queer: The Bolton 7 Podcast
Hugh Sheehan explores a landmark legal case that changed the lives of seven men from Bolton forever and how it played a significant role in the fight for gay rights.
Seven men from Bolton have their lives changed forever.
Criminally Queer: The Bolton Seven looks back at one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in recent British LGBTQ+ history, and examines how this scarcely-known legal case played a significant role in the fight for gay rights.
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Producer and Presenter: Hugh Sheehan
Original music composition and Sound Design: Hugh Sheehan
Executive Producer: Anishka Sharma
Mix Engineer: Arlie Addlington
Commissioning Editor: Khaliq Meer
Archive material courtesy of Roger Bolton Productions.
Episodes to download
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5. An Honourable History
Tue 25 Feb 2025
The Bolton 7 take their fight for justice to one of the highest arenas of law.
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4. A Victimless Crime
Tue 25 Feb 2025
The Bolton 7’s ordeal had tragic and abhorrent consequences. And they weren’t alone.
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3. To Protect Public Morality
Tue 25 Feb 2025
The men’s futures hung in the balance. It was a battle fought bitterly.
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Welcome to Criminally Queer: The Bolton 7
Mon 17 Feb 2025
Hugh Sheehan explores how a landmark legal case changed the lives of seven men forever.


