Chasten Buttigieg, husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, eagerly invited me to experience the new life they had built in rural Michigan. Our journey began with a morning hike among the sandy bluffs of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a cherished spot in Chasten’s hometown. As we hiked, we marveled at the tranquil turquoise waters of Lake Michigan below, reminiscing about Chasten’s teenage years when he sought solace on these very sands.
Chasten’s childhood was marked by the constant struggle to escape. Being aware of his sexuality since middle school, he endured relentless bullying and lived in fear of the possibility of violence. The memory of Matthew Shepard’s tragic murder haunted him, reflecting the dangers he believed awaited him as a gay individual growing up in a predominantly conservative environment. Despite these challenges, Chasten and Pete decided to make Traverse City their home in 2020, finding comfort in the support of Chasten’s family and the allure of a small-town lifestyle.
While some speculated about political motivations behind their move, Chasten emphasized the importance of staying grounded in the present. Pete was instantly captivated by their new home, but Chasten’s emotions were more complex. Traverse City represented both a place of fond memories and personal struggle. It was here that he experienced a traumatic sexual assault during a party, an incident not included in his recently released memoir adaptation for young adults out of respect for other families. Additionally, the region’s staunch Republicanism once forced Chasten to adopt conservative political leanings, only later realizing the need to question and redefine his beliefs.
Following our morning hike, Chasten embarked on a busy day promoting the young adult version of his memoir. The adaptation became an immediate bestseller, attracting widespread attention. As Chasten signed copies at Horizon Books, encountering familiar faces from high school, it reaffirmed his connection to Traverse City. That night, he delighted a crowd of over 600 people at the Traverse City Opera House during the second stop on his book tour. Chasten shared stories about his journey from a lonely kid to a political celebrity, emphasizing the growth and transformation both he and the city had undergone.
However, revisiting his hometown also brought unexpected challenges. Chasten hoped to connect with students at his old high school, offering support and sharing his story. Yet, mounting obstacles from the district hindered those plans, leading Chasten to seek alternative avenues for engagement. Local teachers and community members collaborated to arrange a separate event, ensuring students had the opportunity to attend Chasten’s talk and even providing copies of his book. While disappointed by the district’s response, Chasten remained hopeful, aiming to bridge understanding and promote progress.
As their political profiles grew, Chasten and Pete faced a new level of stress and scrutiny. Their South Bend house became an unintentional tourist attraction, with uninvited visitors showing up unexpectedly. The couple also had to endure homophobic slurs and even experienced a break-in. Concerns for their safety ultimately drove them to prioritize security and seek a new home. Traverse City offered proximity to Chasten’s family and a sense of peace they longed for.
In recent years, Chasten not only encountered personal hardships but also witnessed an increasingly polarized environment. He expressed his empathy for the challenges faced by today’s youth, caught in the midst of divisive public school debates and discriminatory legislation. Despite setbacks, Chasten remained determined to advocate for inclusion and support marginalized communities.
Reflecting on his journey, Chasten was both amazed and grateful for the progress Traverse City had made. The presence of a pride flag and the showing of LGBTQ+ inclusive films symbolized the significant societal shifts that had taken place. However, some instances, like encounters with skeptical neighbors, reminded Chasten that progress was not without its complexities. Such moments served as poignant reminders of the ongoing work needed to achieve acceptance and understanding.
Chasten concluded our visit by recounting an incident when a concerned neighbor trespassed on their property, only to offer them a bucket of apples. His initial fear quickly transformed into appreciation for the kindness within his community, highlighting the beauty of unexpected connections formed in unlikely places.
Traverse City represents a significant chapter in Chasten Buttigieg’s life—a place of personal growth, resilience, and the reimagining of home. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his journey, Chasten remains steadfast in his commitment to sharing his story and creating a more inclusive world.
