Chasten Buttigieg was born on June 23, 1989, in Traverse City, Michigan, into a working-class family. The youngest of three brothers, he grew up in a conservative, rural environment where he often felt out of place. From an early age, Chasten struggled with understanding his identity, particularly as a gay man in a community where acceptance was hard to come by. His adolescence was marked by feelings of isolation, and when he came out to his family, the emotional toll led him to leave home for a time. Although the initial period was difficult, Chasten eventually reconciled with his family, laying the foundation for his journey toward self-acceptance.

Education became an important outlet for Chasten. After graduating from Traverse City West Senior High School, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in theater and global studies. His love for theater, combined with a growing interest in education, led him to DePaul University in Chicago, where he pursued a Master of Education degree. Chasten’s teaching career soon followed, and he became known for his work as a middle school teacher, specializing in drama and humanities. His passion for education, particularly as it related to supporting young people, shaped much of his future advocacy work.

Chasten’s life took a significant turn in 2015 when he met Pete Buttigieg, then the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Chasten and Pete married on June 16, 2018, in a highly publicized ceremony in South Bend. The marriage not only marked a personal milestone but also placed Chasten into the national spotlight, given Pete’s growing prominence in the political arena.

When Pete Buttigieg launched his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, Chasten became an integral part of the campaign. His role was not merely supportive but active, as he attended rallies, engaged with voters, and often took to social media to connect with a broad audience. Chasten’s humor, authenticity, and openness about his own life experiences—particularly his struggles with being gay in a conservative environment—resonated with many people. He became one of the most visible and relatable political spouses in American history, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and to discuss the importance of inclusion and mental health support for marginalized communities.

In August 2021, Chasten and Pete Buttigieg expanded their family when they adopted twins, Joseph August and Penelope Rose. Becoming a father was a transformative experience for Chasten, and he used the opportunity to speak about the importance of diverse family structures and the need for policies that support all parents, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. As a parent, educator, and advocate, Chasten’s commitment to equality and inclusion only deepened.

Today, Chasten Buttigieg is recognized not only as the husband of a prominent political figure but as a significant figure in his own right. His life, shaped by personal challenges and triumphs, has become a source of inspiration for many. Through his advocacy, public speaking, and writing, Chasten continues to champion causes that promote acceptance, diversity, and understanding, ensuring that his voice remains a powerful one in the national conversation on equality.

October is LGBTQ+ History Month and this year we are spotlighting “Against all Odds”. These icons all achieved incredible success in spite of resistance, systematic barriers, and cultural norms. Demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience as they fought for a more accepting and inclusive world.