Pattie Gonia Hikes 100 Miles in Drag to Raise $1 Million

Drag queen and environmental activist Pattie Gonia is embarking on an ambitious journey to promote diversity in outdoor spaces. By backpacking 100 miles in full drag, she aims to raise $1 million for nonprofit organizations dedicated to equity and environmentalism. This remarkable trek commenced in Marin County and includes a challenging crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge. The journey will culminate in a vibrant drag show at The Warfield on December 6.

In just three days since she began this initiative, Pattie has already raised over $600,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, with support from more than 11,700 donors, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. This fundraising effort is directed toward eight charities that promote diversity and environmental causes. Pattie expressed her hopes for the trek on social media, stating, “I will do anything to support these incredible nonprofits that do so much work to diversity the outdoors.”

Supporting Diverse Causes

The organizations benefiting from Pattie’s fundraising include the Eastern Sierra Conservation Corp, The Children’s Home Project, Brave Trails, Queer Outdoor Expedition Scholarships, Outdoorist Oath, Intersectional Environmental Film/Music Project, Camp Kitaki, and Vamanos Outside. These nonprofits focus on creating inclusive environments in outdoor spaces, reflecting Pattie’s commitment to social justice.

Pattie has been an outspoken advocate for diversity, particularly during her criticism of policies from the previous administration that threatened inclusion. Recently, she made headlines after appearing at an LGBTQ+ tribute event wearing a dress adorned with a trans Pride flag. This follows a notable demonstration in Yosemite Valley where activists displayed a trans Pride flag from El Capitan, as reported by the Chronicle.

Joy as a Strategy for Change

Pattie’s activism is grounded in the philosophy that joy can drive social change. She stated, “Joy is strategy. Joy is an inside job.” This belief permeates her performances, aiming to highlight the importance of joy in movements for social equity. The upcoming show at The Warfield promises to be a celebration of this ethos, featuring local drag talent and marking the final performance of her tour.

Community members have praised Pattie not only for her advocacy but also for her artistic contributions within the drag and environmental spheres. In addition to her drag performances, Pattie is also a musician and has plans for future collaborations. In a personal message shared via social media, she declared, “my name is pattie gonia and i’m backpacking 100 miles in drag to try to raise $1,000,000 for 8 outdoor nonprofits. here goes nothing.”

As Pattie Gonia continues her journey, she not only seeks to raise funds but also aims to raise awareness about the importance of diversity in outdoor environments. Her efforts resonate with many, reminding individuals of the power of advocacy combined with creativity.