229. Chasten Buttigieg with Naomi Ishisaka: I Have Something to Tell You — Growing Up Different in Small-Town America

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 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 in this young adult adaptation of his memoir, about growing up in America and embracing his identity, while inspiring young people across the country to do the same.

I Have Something to Tell You — For Young Adults is a hopeful, candid memoir by the husband of a former Democratic presidential candidate about growing up gay in his small Midwestern town.

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

Naomi Ishisaka is the Assistant Managing Editor for Diversity and Inclusion and the Social Justice Columnist for The Seattle Times. She is a journalist and photographer who focuses on racial equity and social justice.