Michael Caven is a published Op-ed writer, a visionary restauranteur and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and male sexual abuse victim-survivors. He co-founded Out On Main Restaurant, recognized as the first LGBTQ-themed restaurant in the United States. Additionally, he was the main student witness in the pornography trial of Phillip’s Exeter Academy’s drama chair Larry Lane Bateman. Currently, Caven is a Business Communication specialist lecturer at Da Nang University of Economics, Vietnam, maintains a psychotherapy practice in Da Nang and has been training volunteers for a new Vietnam suicide prevention hotline.

Michael Caven was born in April 1963 in Augusta, Georgia. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Southern Methodist University and later obtained a Master of Science (MS) in Education from the University of Dayton.

Michael Caven is a decades long activist on issues related to LGBTQ+ and male sexual abuse victims-survivors, and recently gained recognition as an Op-ed writer with: “The Imperfect Victimhood of Male Sexual Abuse Survivors,” published by the New Hampshire Union Leader. ^[1]

In the 1990s, Caven was actively involved in the LGBTQ+ hospitality industry. He co-founded Out On Main Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, an establishment that became a cultural landmark for the community. The restaurant was widely recognized for its impact on the Midwestern LGBTQ+ scene and was featured in local and national media coverage, including documentaries and interviews.^[2] Prior to this, he was associated with Frank Caven, a prominent figure in the gay bar industry in Dallas, Texas in the 1970’s and ‘80’s.

Caven was also a key witness in a widely publicized New Hampshire trial that resulted in the conviction of high school teacher Larry Lane Bateman on charges of child pornography, including sending sexually explicit Polaroids taken of 16-year-old Caven by teacher Larry Lane Bateman. Caven’s decision to confront Bateman via the legal system played a vital role in Bateman’s permanent removal from education, including his final position at Phillips Exeter Academy.^[3]

Currently residing in Central Vietnam, Caven is a Business Communication specialist at the University of Economics Da Nang. He also works as a clinical counselor at Psychologist Vietnam and is leading efforts via volunteer trainings to support Vietnam’s Suicide Prevention Hotline.^[4]

Caven has been recognized for his advocacy and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and mental health initiatives. He has received:

- The Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign.

His upcoming memoir, Spilling the Tea, is currently in development. His activism and entrepreneurship have been cited in major publications and media, including Vanity Fair, The New York Times, CNN International, Nation’s Restaurant News, The Advocate, Out. ^[5]

Caven's contributions span multiple sectors, from LGBTQ+ advocacy and hospitality to increased societal awareness of the impact of sexual abuse on boys, teens and men. Caven’s participation in the trial of his former sex predator teacher led to the teacher’s final exclusion from the US education system. Michael Caven’s efforts in education in Central Vietnam as a Business Communication specialist and preparing Uni students for communication scenarios ahead in their international business careers; as well as suicide prevention volunteer trainings are all major parts of Michael Caven’s ongoing legacy and impact in the USA and Vietnam.

• Official website
• Documentary on Out On Main Restaurant