This June, in celebration of Pride Month, The OutCenter of Southwest Michigan will host speaker Chasten Buttigieg at their Second Annual Harbor Country Hearts Party on Sunday, June 25.
Buttigieg an acclaimed New York Times bestselling author for his memoir ‘I Have Something to Tell You’, came into the national spotlight as the husband of U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and 2020 Presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg. As a Michigan native, teacher, and LGBTQ+ leader, he has used his platform to help build bridges and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Chasten’s memoir was published in 2020 and recounts his journey to finding acceptance as a gay man. It received very positive reviews and debuted at number 12 on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction list. He has now adapted ‘I Have Something to Tell You’ for young adult (YA) readers, to be published by Atheneum Books May 16.
The new edition is described as focusing on Chasten’s younger years, growing up in Traverse City, grappling with coming out, and healing from the painful responses and isolation he experienced. The book is also seeks to highlight the joy of finding self-love and acceptance, support from others, and how to pass the torch and support younger generations.
“We are so honored to have Chasten Buttigieg attend this very special event and help us draw attention to area educators who are dedicated to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth,” said MaryJo Schnell, executive director of OutCenter Southwest Michigan. “We share with Chasten a great appreciation for the critical role that educators play in helping LGBTQ+ kids feel safe and heard in their schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for the entire community to come together to celebrate our local educators and the wonderful partnerships that OutCenter has established with them.”
OutCenter Southwest Michigan, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties, works with more than 25 local schools and has reached more than 11,000 elementary, middle, high school and college students through programs and outreach efforts. These include its LGBTQ+ Brave Schools Collaborative, the Teen Pride program, Gay Straight Alliance clubs throughout the OutCenter service area and more. The organization’s mission is to provide LGBTQ+ people and their families with the services and support they need to feel safe and comfortable in their communities. They also works on advocacy efforts with elected officials and local and state-wide groups on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
The event (previously scheduled for May 6) will take place on Sunday, June 25 at 2 pm at Froelich’s event space, 19 N. Froehlichs, Three Oaks, MI. Tickets are $100. All attendees will receive a free copy of the new YA edition of ‘I Have Something to Tell You.’ Buttigieg will be signing copies. Ticket price also includes drinks and food provided by Froelich’s. For more information and to buy tickets visit https://www.outcenter.org/harbor-country-hearts
By Julee Laurent
MOTM Contributor
