Michael Causer was a kind and popular 18-year-old, whose friends described him as “a little sweetheart”. He was adored by his family. He was proud to be gay.
A trainee hairdresser from Whiston, in Merseyside, Michael had his whole life ahead of him.
But that life was taken when he was brutally attacked as he slept at house party in Liverpool in July 2008.
“We loved Michael for being the person that he was, but we know other young LGBT people don’t always have that.”
A few days later, on August 2, 2008, Michael died in hospital following brain surgery. His funeral took place a week before his nineteenth birthday.
The Michael Causer Foundation was set up by his parents, Marie and Mike, and Merseyside’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Their aim, to provide education, motivation and accommodation for young LGBT people like their son.
“We didn’t just want a plaque on a wall,” says Marie. “We loved Michael for being the person that he was, but we know other young LGBT people don’t always have that.”
“That’s why the Foundation is so important to us – so that we can help and support them in Michael’s memory.”
Following his death, Liverpool’s LGBT community raised money to support Michael’s family with funeral and legal expenses.
The seeds of his Foundation were sown by the compassion of his loved-ones and by the LGBT community who took the Causer family to their hearts.
Four teenagers were charged over Michael’s death: James O’Connor and Gavin Alker (murder); Michael Binsteed (perverting the course of justice); and Christopher Douglas (witness intimidation).
Alker pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence, and blaming O’Connor. Alker was acquitted. O’Connor was sentenced to life for murder without homophobic intent. Michael Binsteed was sentenced to 34 weeks in custody, suspended for two years.
“That’s why the Foundation is so important to us – so that we can help and support them in Michael’s memory.”
Today, the Foundation supports young LGBT people in Merseyside, and challenges injustice and prejudice.
We are working alongside housing, police, education, charity and other partners to achieve our aims in Michael’s memory.
This is his legacy.