Drag queen Pattie Gonia raises $1m by completing 100-mile trek to promote outdoor equality

Pattie Gonia, the drag artist and environmental advocate, completed a remarkable 100-mile trek from Point Reyes National Seashore to San Francisco, arriving at the Golden Gate Bridge on Friday afternoon. She finished the journey in full drag, complete with a large red wig and dramatic makeup, raising over $1 million along the way.

The fundraising effort supports eight non-profits dedicated to improving accessibility and promoting inclusivity in outdoor spaces. Sharing her accomplishment on social media, Pattie Gonia encouraged others, writing, "Dont let anyone ever tell you that you cant make a difference. Seven years later, I hope I can show that combining your passion and skills to drive change truly works."

Over the past few years, Pattie Gonia has become a highly visible figure in the drag community. She has been involved in advocacy events, including organizing a demonstration at Yosemite National Park where LGBTQ+ climbers displayed a trans pride flag on El Capitan, emphasizing the acceptance and recognition of trans individuals in outdoor spaces.

In addition to activism, Pattie Gonia has also engaged in playful challenges, including a video where she humorously invited the U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, to a pull-up competition, highlighting her fitness while showcasing a lighthearted approach to advocacy.

During the week-long trek, she camped outdoors each night and filmed videos documenting her journey in drag. She is scheduled to perform her final show of the year in San Francisco on Saturday, joking about whether she can make it on time. Social media posts captured her celebratory moment on the Golden Gate Bridge, concluding her trek with cake.

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Author: Zoe Harrison