Raise a glass and make a toast: U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten are going to be parents!
On Aug. 17, Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay Senate-confirmed Cabinet member, made the announcement via Twitter.
"For some time, Chasten and I have wanted to grow our family," he wrote. "We're overjoyed to share that we've become parents! The process isn't done yet and we're thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can't wait to share more soon."
For some time, Chasten and I have wanted to grow our family. We're overjoyed to share that we've become parents! The process isn't done yet and we're thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can't wait to share more soon.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 17, 2021
According to The Washington Post, the couple have been trying to adopt for a year. As it is for many people seeking to adopt, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, the process has not been easy, full of false starts and waiting.
"It's a really weird cycle of anger and frustration and hope," Chasten tells The Washington Post about the adoption process. "You think it's finally happening and you get so excited, and then it's gone."
In the Post piece, Chasten also expresses exasperation with living in Washington D.C. "Like, anytime you think you're just relaxing, you're working," he told the Post. "Especially on the Hill. Cocktails, dinners, drinks. Everyone says, 'No work tonight.' Then two minutes go by and they're talking about a pipeline, you know, or a bill or a package."
The couple recently bought a house in Traverse City on Lake Michigan. Not only did Chasten grow up in Traverse City, it's where his parents live. Chasten told the Post he imagines their child playing in Michigan with his grandpa. So while the couple are not divulging additional information just yet, it's certainly a possibility that this child could grow up in Michigan.
The news has been met mostly with positive messages of support.
"As parents, they will now shine a national spotlight on LGBTQ families, who often face daunting challenges because of outdated policies that narrowly define what families are," Victory Institute President Annise Parker said in a statement according to The New York Times.
Twitter was awash with heart emojis, happy gifs and well wishers for these future daddies.
Congratulations to you and @Chasten! Welcome to parenthood!üíï https://t.co/PeikDATTF4
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) August 17, 2021
Pete and Chasten Buttigieg are going to be parents, and I couldn't be happier for them.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 17, 2021
So happy for you @PeteButtigieg and @Chasten
You will be great parents and I can't wait to meet the next Buttigieg! https://t.co/xr7Ye2MLHU— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) August 18, 2021
