Chasten Buttigieg

In his New York Times bestselling memoir I Have Something to Tell You, teacher Chasten Glezman Buttigieg shared his story of growing up gay in a small, conservative Midwestern town and how he overcame obstacles on his journey to finding acceptance as a gay man. As he traveled cross-country in support of the groundbreaking presidential campaign of his husband, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Chasten became an inspiration to young queer kids struggling with their identity.

To celebrate the release of the young adult adaptation of his memoir—I Have Something to Tell You (for Young Adults)—adults of all ages, parents, kids, and anyone who’s ever felt like a fish out of water are welcome at this event where Chasten will speak with author R. Eric Thomas about his experience coming out and how he’s healed from the painful responses and isolation; his journey to finding acceptance and self-love; and how to pass the torch and support younger generations who feel isolated or unworthy of love. Chasten’s ultimate goal is to show young people that they are not alone and to inspire them to forge their own path to acceptance.

Thomas is a television writer, playwright, and the bestselling author of Here For It, or How to Save Your Soul in America.