TL;DR
- Pattie Gonia raised $1.2 million hiking in drag.
- The funds support climate and queer-led organizations.
- She completed a 102-mile trek along the California coast.
- 35,700 individual donations made this possible.
- Pattie advocates for sustainable activism and joy.
In a world where activism often feels like a marathon, Pattie Gonia is sprinting ahead in stilettos—well, maybe not the stilettos, but you get the idea. This fabulous drag artist and environmentalist just pulled off a jaw-dropping feat: raising over $1.2 million while hiking the stunning California coast. Yes, you heard that right. A drag hike, darling! Talk about serving looks and saving the planet at the same time.
Pattie, with her signature wig glued firmly in place, embarked on a six-day trek from the breathtaking Point Reyes National Seashore to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. And she didn’t just do it for the Instagram likes—she did it to raise funds for climate and queer-led organizations. With a staggering 35,700 donations flooding in, most of them small contributions from everyday folks, Pattie made it clear that every dollar counts. “This wasn’t a fundraiser that had megadonors dropping $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000,” she said. “This came from people donating $25 donations, $10 donations. That is incredible to me because I want to remind people who think we can’t make change. Every time we come together to create change, we’re always amazed by the impact that we can have.”
But wait, there’s more! After completing her hike, Pattie didn’t just kick back and relax. Oh no, she went straight into a sold-out performance at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco, where 2,500 eager fans were ready to witness her drag magic. “Selling a 2,500-person venue as an independent drag artist is pretty unheard of,” she quipped, and honestly, we can’t help but agree. This queen is redefining what it means to be a successful drag artist.
While many drag performers may find their fame through reality TV competitions, Pattie is carving out her own path—one that’s deeply rooted in activism and environmentalism. “I think people are really ready for something new…something different,” she said, and her upcoming SAVE HER! tour promises just that. This tour is all about showcasing diverse talents, including drag kings and underground artists, rather than just the polished performances we often see on mainstream platforms.
But it’s not all about the glitz and glam. Pattie is acutely aware of the political climate and the urgent need for action. Many grassroots organizations she supports have faced funding cuts under the current administration, and she’s determined to make a difference. “We have to show up for us,” she emphasizes, reminding us all of the power we have when we unite.
When it comes to maintaining optimism amid the chaos of queer rights and environmental crises, Pattie has a refreshing perspective. “Feeling hopeless is exactly how they want us to feel. Apathy benefits them,” she argues. Instead, she champions the idea that empathy is a superpower and that joy can be a form of rebellion. “We mourn in the morning, fight in the afternoon, and dance in the evening. And it’s the dancing that would keep us going,” she muses.
As if her drag hike wasn’t ambitious enough, Pattie is already planning her next adventure. “We’re only just beginning, babe,” she promises. So, keep your eyes peeled for what this trailblazing queen has in store next. With her fierce spirit and dedication to activism, we can’t wait to see where she struts her stuff next!