On this week’s episode of the Compendium, we dive into the wild world of JT Leroy, a name that took the literary scene by storm before turning it on its head. Join us as we pick apart how Laura Albert and Savannah Knoop spun the identity of a made-up boy-genius author, fooling the glitterati and bookworms alike. It’s a story packed with scandal and a hoax that has us questioning everything about identity in the arts. In our chat, today we're not just telling a story; we’re asking the big questions about what happens when the line between an author’s true self and their fiction gets blurry. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of the JT Leroy literary scandal explained, stirring up everything from gender identity debates to the shockwaves the hoax sent through pop culture. So, buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride through one of the juiciest literary hoaxes ever. Resources and Further Reading "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things" by JT Leroy "Girl Boy Girl: How I Became JT Leroy" by Savannah Knoop "Author: The JT Leroy Story" - Documentary "Sarah" by JT Leroy "The Cult of JT Leroy" by Marjorie Sturm “Who is the Real JT LeRoy?” New York Magazine Article by  Stephen Beachy Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: TheCompendiumPodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonCertified Freaks: Submit your job Descriptions Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.