THE FREE, VIRTUAL EVENT COINCIDES WITH THE RELEASE OF BUTTIGIEG’S NEW MEMOIR, I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 • 5:30 P.M. PT

SAN FRANCISCO (October 13, 2020)—Arts education advocate Joni Binder and San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) will present author and educator Chasten Buttigieg in conversation with San Francisco Chronicle Arts & Culture reporter Tony Bravo on Thursday, October 29 at 5:30 p.m. PT. The free, virtual event coincides with the release of Buttigieg’s new memoir, I Have Something to Tell You. To RSVP, visit https://www.sfgmc.org/chasten/.

Guests are encouraged to shop local and support community bookseller partners—Dog Eared Books in San Francisco’s Castro District and Orinda Books in Orinda, CA—by purchasing a copy of the book before the event. These purchases include a signed copy of the book and special access to a video call with Chasten before the main event.

Throughout the past year, teacher Chasten Glezman Buttigieg has emerged on the national stage, having left his classroom in South Bend, Indiana, to travel cross-country in support of his husband, former mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Pete’s groundbreaking presidential campaign. Through Chasten’s joyful, witty social media posts, the public gained a behind-the-scenes look at his life with Pete on the trail— moments that might have ranged from the mundane to the surprising, but that were always heartfelt.

Chasten has overcome a multitude of obstacles to get here. In this moving, uplifting memoir, he recounts his journey to finding acceptance as a gay man. He recalls his upbringing in rural Michigan, where he knew he was different, where indeed he felt different from his father and brothers. He recounts his coming out and how he’s healed from revealing his secret to his family, friends, community, and the world. And he tells the story of meeting his boyfriend, whom he would marry and who would eventually become a major Democratic leader.

With unflinching honesty, unflappable courage, and great warmth, Chasten Buttigieg relays his experience of growing up in America and embracing his true self, while inspiring others to do the same.

In addition, Chasten Buttigieg will be recognized with San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’s “Inspiration Award” for his work in arts education and bringing the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth to the forefront at Fall Showcase on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 6 p.m. PT. Kicking off Season 43, this exciting autumnal concert celebrates SFGMC’s 42nd birthday and will feature a mix of past performances, vignettes, and ensemble pieces. Guests will also experience the world premiere of “What Will We Hear?,” written by composer- lyricist Andrew Lippa (“I Am Harvey Milk”) and performed by Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth. This piece was conceived by Lippa following a conversation at a virtual SFGMC donor event held this past April in which community members were expressing their concerns over the uncertainty of future performances. While access is free, a suggested donation ($25–$50) is encouraged for Fall Showcase . To RSVP, visit www.sfgmc.org/season-43/.

ABOUT CHASTEN BUTTIGIEG

Perhaps the most visible political campaign spouse in the last decade, Chasten Glezman Buttigieg has built a name of his own as an advocate for teachers, inclusion, and the arts. Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, he received his bachelor’s degree in theater and global studies from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and his master’s in education from DePaul University. Chasten most recently worked as a middle-school drama and humanities teacher before joining husband Pete on the 2020 Presidential campaign trail. In our country’s biggest cities and smallest towns, Americans were heartened by his charisma, empathy, and infectious positivity. Chasten currently lives in South Bend, Indiana, with Peter and their two rescue dogs.

ABOUT TONY BRAVO

Tony Bravo is the arts and culture reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. Bravo joined the Style section in 2015 where he wrote the relationship column “Connectivity” and covered New York Fashion Week. His writing has appeared across the newspaper from the Datebook arts section to the Food, Cannabis and Sports section where he famously asked Warrior Draymond Green “Who are you wearing?” live on ESPN. In addition to arts and culture he specializes in stories about LGBTQ issues ranging from drag and the queer aesthetic to activism and representation. Bravo’s culture column appears in print every Monday in Datebook.

ABOUT JONI BINDER

Joni Binder is Director of the California Lieutenant Governor Arts Project, serves on the Board of Directors for Turnaround Arts California—a Los Angeles-based statewide effort co-founded by Frank Gehry and Malissa Shriver—and is on the Board of Directors of SFFILM. Joni formerly served as the Education Chair for the Fine Arts Committee for the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State and as president of the Modern Art Council of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Joni Binder is an author and photographer, publishing the bestselling book Mile 46: Face to Face in Maasailand in 2016.

ABOUT SFGMC

Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground-breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as the first-ever National LGBTQ Center for the Arts, a community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.

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