Pete Buttigieg, a prominent figure in American politics and the current U.S. Secretary of Transportation, has captured public attention not only for his political career but also for his inspiring personal life, particularly his marriage to Chasten Buttigieg. Their relationship has been a significant part of Pete’s public image, showcasing a modern American family in the political sphere. So, who is Pete Buttigieg’s partner, Chasten? This article delves into the life of Chasten Buttigieg, exploring his background, career, relationship with Pete, and his role as a public figure.
From Teacher to Public Advocate: Chasten’s Professional Journey
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Chasten Buttigieg and Pete Buttigieg pose for a photo in 2017, showcasing their early relationship.
Born Chasten Glezman on June 23, 1989, Chasten’s roots are in Chums Corner, Michigan. His academic journey led him to the University of Wisconsin — Eau Claire, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theater and global studies in 2014. Initially, Chasten pursued a career in education, reflecting his passion for working with young people and the arts. He started as a teaching artist in Milwaukee before moving to Chicago to pursue a graduate degree in education at DePaul University. During this period, he gained practical experience as a substitute teacher in both Chicago and South Bend, Indiana.
Completing his master’s degree in 2017, Chasten took a position as a middle school humanities teacher at the Montessori Academy in Mishawaka, Indiana. Beyond teaching core subjects, he also demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity by running a diversity club and sharing his love for theater with students. His dedication to education was evident, but his career path took a turn when Pete’s political aspirations grew, leading Chasten to take a leave of absence to support Pete’s 2020 presidential campaign. This marked a transition from the classroom to the national political stage, where he embraced a new role as a supportive spouse and public advocate.
Overcoming Adversity: Chasten’s Coming Out Story
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Chasten Buttigieg and Pete Buttigieg attend the 23rd annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2022, demonstrating their public presence and support for each other.
Chasten’s journey to self-acceptance wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up in a conservative Roman Catholic family as the youngest of three brothers, coming to terms with his sexuality at 18 was a pivotal and difficult moment. When he shared this personal truth with his family, the initial reaction led to a period of instability. Chasten faced homelessness, relying on friends and even living out of his car for a time.
In a candid interview with The New York Times in 2018, Chasten recounted, “I decided at 18 that I needed to come out. And I don’t recall my parents specifically saying I couldn’t live at home anymore, but I was made to believe I needed to leave.” This experience highlights the painful reality faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals when coming out to their families.
Despite the initial hardship, time and understanding fostered reconciliation. Chasten’s parents eventually embraced their son and his marriage to Pete. His mother, Sherri Glezman, shared with The New York Times a mother’s perspective, “I don’t want to say we were shocked. But, from our perspective, I was sad for him that, having two brothers that were into every sport, as roughneck as it comes, Chasten would be afraid of being perceived as different, or not as much of a man.” This quote reveals the complexities of familial acceptance and the journey towards understanding and love. Chasten’s story is a testament to resilience and the evolving nature of family relationships in the face of societal norms.
Hinge Match to Lifelong Partnership: Meeting Pete Buttigieg
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Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Buttigieg are seen in Arlington, VA in 2020, during Pete’s presidential campaign, showcasing their teamwork.
The modern love story of Pete and Chasten Buttigieg began in the summer of 2015 on the dating app Hinge. In an appearance on the LGBTQ&A podcast in 2019, Pete recounted how he stumbled upon Chasten’s profile while recovering from an injury. Intrigued by Chasten’s “witty” profile, they connected over conversations about Game of Thrones.
Pete described their initial interactions as engaging from the start, “I could just tell by the chatting that he was somebody special and that I wanted to meet him.” Their early communication involved long-distance FaceTime calls as Chasten was in Chicago and Pete was in South Bend. This virtual connection paved the way for their first in-person date, which was a classic American outing: a minor league baseball game, followed by a tour of downtown South Bend, and a walk along the St. Joseph River.
From the outset, Pete was transparent about his political ambitions. As the mayor of South Bend seeking his second term, he shared his future aspirations with Chasten. Pete recalled, “He was a little skeptical about getting mixed up with a politician. And he asked, you know, ‘What does your future look like?’ And I told him.” Despite any initial reservations, Chasten embraced Pete’s world, and their relationship blossomed, built on open communication and shared values.
An Airport Proposal and Wedding Bells
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Chasten Buttigieg and Pete Buttigieg at the White House in 2022, representing their journey from dating app to political power couple.
In December 2017, Pete orchestrated a memorable proposal at Gate B5 of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, a location significant because it was where Chasten first encountered Pete’s profile on Hinge. Pete described the airport as symbolic of their relationship, “not just because the way we love travel, but that he was literally at that spot in the airport where we first started chatting on the phone, and … by loving me, he was also signing up for a life of constant motion.”
The proposal was carefully planned. Pete ensured the gate was free of flights and created a special moment in a typically bustling public space. He described it as “pretty elaborate,” highlighting the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.
The couple officially tied the knot on June 16, 2018, at the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint James in South Bend. Their wedding was a celebration of love and inclusivity, with both grooms wearing Ted Baker three-piece suits in varying shades of blue. The 30-minute ceremony, attended by 200 guests and livestreamed on YouTube, included a reading from Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Following their ceremony, Pete and Chasten made a meaningful stop at a South Bend Gay Pride Week block party before their reception at LangLab, an arts and co-working space in a former furniture factory. Chasten explained their choice of reception venue to The New York Times, “We have a lot of people coming from other places, and we wanted to give them a window and a glimpse into this really cool city.” Their wedding was not only a personal milestone but also a public statement of their commitment to each other and their community.
Family Life and Advocacy: Beyond Politics
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Chasten Buttigieg and Pete Buttigieg at the White House in 2023, now a family, balancing public duties with personal life.
Beyond their public roles, Pete and Chasten are devoted dog lovers. Their dogs, Truman and Buddy, became beloved members of their family and even gained a social media presence. Truman, a beagle-Labrador mix adopted in 2017, and Buddy, a one-eyed beagle-pug mix who joined in 2018, moved with them to Washington, D.C., when Pete became Secretary of Transportation. The dogs even had their own X (formerly Twitter) account, @firstdogsSB, with a significant following. The couple mourned the loss of Truman in June 2023, remembering him as a source of “chaos and love.”
In August 2021, Pete and Chasten joyfully announced they had become parents to twins, Joseph August “Gus” and Penelope Rose. The arrival of their children marked a new chapter in their lives. Pete shared the personal joy of fatherhood on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, “It’s everything people tell you to expect and more. I think the biggest thing that’s surprised me is just how much joy there is, even sometimes in the hard parts.” Balancing parenthood with demanding careers, they have offered glimpses into their family life, including their twins’ first visit to the White House and first birthday celebration.
Chasten has also made his mark as an author. His memoir, I Have Something to Tell You, published in 2020, explores his upbringing, his relationship with Pete, and his experiences in the political spotlight. In 2023, he released a young adult adaptation of his memoir, aiming to reach younger audiences, especially LGBTQ+ youth facing challenges. Chasten expressed that this young adult version was “the book I wish I could go back in time and hand to younger Chasten,” emphasizing its importance in providing guidance and hope to young people struggling with identity and acceptance. Through his writing and public advocacy, Chasten continues to inspire and connect with people across diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
Chasten Buttigieg is more than just Pete Buttigieg’s partner; he is a multifaceted individual with his own distinct identity. From his early career as a dedicated teacher to becoming a public figure and author, Chasten has carved a unique path. His story is one of resilience, love, and advocacy, resonating with many within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. As he continues to support Pete and raise their children, Chasten remains an inspiring figure in his own right, demonstrating the evolving roles and contributions of spouses in public life. His journey from a teacher in Indiana to a nationally recognized advocate highlights the power of personal stories and the impact of authentic representation in today’s world.
