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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, are parents! The Buttigieg family announced the summer births of their son and daughter this past September. Pete Buttigieg is the first openly gay person to be confirmed to a Cabinet position in the U.S., and has become a household name since his campaign for the presidency last year. Now, Buttigieg is busy working under the Biden administration while caring for two infants at home.
Pete and Chasten, an author and former teacher, shared their joyous news about the arrival of their twins on Twitter.
“Chasten and I are beyond thankful for all the kind wishes since first sharing the news that we’re becoming parents,” he wrote, “We are delighted to welcome Penelope Rose and Joseph August Buttigieg to our family.”
A Long Road Toward Parenthood
The proud dads have been married since 2018. They had been trying to adopt for over a year. In fact, in a July article of the Washington Post, they spoke candidly about their struggles to adopt.
They explained that they had gone through the home study process and attended parenting workshops. They had been on waiting lists that would allow them to receive a baby, and had even gotten a last-minute call from a birth mother who was considering placing her child for adoption but later decided to parent her child.
“It’s a really weird cycle of anger and frustration and hope,” Chasten said. “You think it’s finally happening and you get so excited, and then it’s gone.”
He also shared what he imagined telling their future child: “We tried so hard for you. We waited so long for you.”
When the article was written, Chasten also shared that he fantasized about taking a little one to Michigan, where they could romp through the woods and cast fishing lines with Grandpa.
It looks like Grandpa will get a chance to make those beautiful memories. Penelope and Joseph arrived in August of 2021.
Life with the Twins
Before adding ‘dad’ to his titles, Pete Buttigieg had an impressive resume. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 2009 to 2017, attaining the rank of lieutenant. During his time in the service, Buttigieg was deployed in Afghanistan for seven months. Buttigieg also earned the title of mayor in his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, where he actually came out as gay during his term, at 33 years old. In 2019, Buttigieg announced he would be taking to the campaign trail for the presidential candidacy. The famed politician says, however, that being a parent to twins is the most “demanding” job he has had yet.
The new father opened up about the joys – as well as the challenges – of parenthood on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” in October.
“It’s been wonderful. 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.
“Don’t get me wrong — it’s the most demanding thing I think I’ve ever done, that Chasten and I have ever taken on, but it’s just amazing.”
A Positive Adoption Story for the LGBTQ+ Community
Pete and Chasten’s adoption story is a beautiful one. It can serve as a great example for those in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking to grow a family. Adoption is a wonderful path for LGBTQ+ couples looking to become parents.
As explained by Elliot Imse, a spokesman for the Victory Institute, an organization advocating for LGBTQ people in government office:
“Them having a child really shows that LGBTQ Americans are just like any other American family. The way that Pete and Chasten were able to humanize an LGBTQ couple for many Americans is the same way they humanize LGBTQ people having children.”
Adopting as an LGBTQ+ Family
Anyone interested in adopting a child should first consult a reputable and supportive adoption professional. A private, domestic, full-service adoption agency like Adoptions With Love can help prospective parents through the process of welcoming a little one into their lives. While adoption for same-sex couples and trans individuals is now legal in every state, you may find that some adoption agencies are more Queer-friendly than others. It is important to find an adoption agency that can offer you unending and unbiased support, guidance, and resources in your journey toward adoption.
Growing a family through adoption, particularly for those in the LGBTQ+ community, is not always an easy process. Upon completing an adoption, parents sometimes find they face prejudice and criticism. Access to a supportive adoption agency can provide new parents with the tools needed to overcome some of the adversity.
Whether you are looking for support with an LGBTQ+ adoption, or you are considering placing your child with adoption, you can reach out to Adoptions With Love at any time. We can help walk you through this process and answer any questions you may have.
Click here for a free eBook: A Guide to LGBTQ Adoption.
Get your journey started by reaching out to Adoptions With Love. Call us at 800-722-7731, text us at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.
Image Source; https://abc57.com/news/pete-and-chasten-buttigieg-adopt-two-babies-share-photo-on-twitter