Author Events

Community members are invited to a public symposium highlighting progressive social movements in 1960s–70s St. Louis. Symposium marks the publication of Left in the Midwest: St. Louis Progressive Activism in the 1960s and 1970s, an anthology exploring organizing initiatives including the Black freedom struggle, lesbian and gay liberation, the peace movement, environmental and feminist activism, and beyond. Held at the former Berea Presbyterian Church (now SLU’s Il Monastero, 3050 Olive St.), a hub for 1960s civil rights organizing.

The event offers panels featuring volume chapter authors, plus four noted organizers active in the era — Percy Green, Jim Thomas, Zenobia Thompson, and Kayla Vaughan. Refreshments at 1:30pm; chapter-author panel 2:30-3:30pm; coffee break at 3:30pm; activists panel 4:00-5:30pm; reception 5:30-6:30pm. Free off-street parking; reception and author book-signing follow.

More info: visit https://bit.ly/40hMqui or email american.studies@slu.edu

On Friday, April 14, 2023, from 1:00 to 6:30 p.m., a public symposium will be held marking the recent release of Left in the Midwest: St. Louis Progressive Activism in the 1960s and 1970s (University of Missouri Press). The volume is a first-of-its-kind anthology exploring the exceptional range of progressive social activism that took shape in 1960s–70s St. Louis. Bringing together four of the volume’s chapter authors and four organizers active in the era’s movement work, the event will offer innovative scholarship and vibrant first-hand accounts of a dynamic chapter of St. Louis history.

The event takes place at the historic former home of Berea Presbyterian Church (now St. Louis University’s “Il Monastero Center”), a hub for 1960s civil rights work that was adjacent to the storied LaClede Town residential complex. The symposium is free and open to the public (with free off-street parking), and includes refreshments plus a concluding reception with chapter-authors’ book signing.

Highlighting St. Louis narratives of the Black freedom struggle, gay liberation, environmental and feminist organizing, the peace movement, and beyond, the anthology and this symposium call into question St. Louis’s mid-20th-century reputation as a conservative and sleepy Midwestern metropolis while honoring the experiences of determined organizers who fought for equity and social change.

SCHEDULE

1:00pm: Refreshments

1:30pm: Opening remarks and welcome

2:00pm: Chapter authors panel

• Heidi Ardizzone on St. Louis’s postwar civil rights movement
• Gretchen Arnold on feminist activism in the 1960s and 1970s
• Mary Maxfield on violence and lesbian space-making in 1970s St. Louis
• Ezelle Sanford III on African American grassroots activism to defend Homer G. Phillips Hospital 

3:30pm: Coffee break

4:00pm: Activists panel

• Percy Green, founder of ACTION and St. Louis civil rights trailblazer
• Jim Thomas, founding chair of Pride St. Louis and co-founder and editor of the Lesbian & Gay News-Telegraph
• Zenobia Thompson, co-chair of the Committee to Save Homer G. Phillips Hospital And All Public Hospitals and co-chair of the Change the Name Coalition
• Kayla Vaughan, anti-war and feminist activist

5:30pm: Reception and author signing

Building Progressive Social Movements in St. Louis, 1960–1980: A Symposium

Friday, April 14, 2023, 1:00–6:30 p.m. 

The former Berea Presbyterian Church (SLU’s Il Monastero Center), 3050 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103

The young adult adaptation of the moving, hopeful, and refreshingly candid memoir by the husband of a former Democratic presidential candidate about growing up gay in his small Midwestern town.

Growing up, Chasten Glezman Buttigieg didn't always fit in. He felt different from his father and brothers, who loved to hunt and go camping, and out of place in the rural, conservative small town where he lived. Back then, blending in was more important than feeling seen.

So, when Chasten realized he was gay, he kept that part of himself hidden away for a long, painful time. With incredible bravery, and the support of his loved ones, Chasten eventually came out--and when he did, he learned that being true to himself was the most rewarding journey of all.

Finding acceptance and self-love can seem like a tremendous challenge, but it's never impossible. With honesty, courage, and warmth, Chasten relays his experience of growing up in America and embracing his identity, while inspiring young people across the country to do the same.

Review Quotes:
"What a gift it is to walk alongside Chasten Buttigieg on his journey from small-town theater kid to political trailblazer. Buttigieg's story is heartfelt, specific, and entirely his own--but it's also a pitch-perfect snapshot of our rapidly shifting cultural landscape. It's a perfect juxtaposition of ordinary and extraordinary, told with humor, compassion, and unshakable hope."--Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

"Chasten speaks to his readers as a trusted friend, reminding anyone who feels 'different' that they are not alone, and that learning to love and embrace what makes us different may be the greatest gift we can give ourselves."--Dustin Lance Black, filmmaker and LGBTQ+ activist

"As I was reading this book, I couldn't help but think, 'I wish I had had THIS when I was growing up!' Chasten reminds us that we are not alone, and that while choosing to live authentically can bring challenges, self-doubt and 'hater-ade' from outside forces, it can also bring out the joy in life, pride in ourselves, and the love the world so badly needs more of.This book is a joyous and authentic gift to generations of young people. I wish I could have had this when I was growing up!"--Ariana DeBose, Academy Award-winning actress, dancer, and singer

"Sharing our stories can encourage others to feel less alone, and Chasten tells his with courage and compassion, opening the door for younger generations to create and live in a more inclusive world."--Ellen DeGeneres, New York Times bestselling author of Seriously . . . I'm Kidding

"At times gut-wrenching and always honest, Chasten's story makes us laugh and root for ourselves in this profoundly personal yet necessary story about hope, inclusion, and allyship."--Billy Eichner, comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter

"So many young people are going to see themselves reflected in Chasten's words, and feel held up to a warm light of love that might otherwise be missing from their community."--Ashley C. Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Somebody's Daughter: A Memoir

"Identity can be tough to navigate as a teenager. Chasten's book reminds everyone of the joy and empowerment that embracing your authentic self can bring. This book is like the smile your fourteen-year-old-self might have needed. I loved it! Such wonderful reassurance that it's okay to feel different, and that our senses of self and identity can constantly change over time. Told with candor and grace, this book is a joyous reminder to be kind to yourself."--Kal Penn, bestselling author of You Can't Be Serious

"Honest and incredibly moving, I Have Something to Tell You is a deeply relatable story that will resonate with any teen who's searching for their place in this world."--Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us and Small Town Pride

"Unflinchingly honest and at the same time comforting, this memoir is an honest portrayal of finding not only acceptance in the world, but accepting one's self."--Kosoko Jackson, award-winning author of I'm So (Not) Over You