Meet Author Chasten Buttigieg

Chasten Buttigieg - teacher, advocate and husband of former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg - presents his memoir I Have Something to Tell You about growing up gay in a small Midwestern town. 

Book sales provided by Half Price Books.

Sponsored by the Oak Lawn Library Friends.

Seats are limited. Registration does not guarantee a seat. Walk-ins will be admitted as space allows.

Originally released in 2020, I Have Something to Tell You has been rewritten for young adults, complete with new stories and 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.

Chasten Glezman Buttigieg (he/him/his) grew up in Traverse City, Michigan. He is a teacher, advocate, and husband of former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Chasten currently lives with Pete; their two children, Gus and Penelope; and their rescue dog, Buddy, in Northern Michigan. I Have Something to Tell You—For Young Adults is his second book.