Chasten Buttigieg

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Carina Teoh

A close-up of Chasten Buttigieg.

Chasten Buttigieg

In the 2020 memoir I Have Something To Tell You, Chasten Buttigieg tells the story of his life, from growing up and feeling out of place in rural Michigan, eventually coming out to his family, and meeting his future husband — Pete Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a 2020 presidential candidate, and current U.S. secretary of transportation. At this Wisconsin Book Festival event, Chasten Buttigieg will discuss a new young adult edition of the memoir with Wisconsin Public Radio reporter Maureen McCollum.

media release: The young adult adaptation of the hopeful and refreshingly candid bestselling memoir by the husband of a former Democratic presidential candidate about growing up gay in his small Midwestern town. Completely rewritten with new stories, including resources for readers, parents, and teachers.

Growing up, Chasten Glezman Buttigieg didn’t always fit in. He felt different from his father and brothers, who loved to hunt and go camping, and out of place in the rural, conservative small town where he lived. Back then, blending in was more important than feeling seen.

So, when Chasten realized he was gay, he kept that part of himself hidden away for a long, painful time. With incredible bravery, and the support of his loved ones, Chasten eventually came out—and when he did, he learned that being true to himself was the most rewarding journey of all.

Finding acceptance and self-love can seem like a tremendous challenge, but it’s never impossible. With honesty, courage, and warmth, Chasten relays his experience of growing up in America and embracing his identity, while inspiring young people across the country to do the same.