Drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia is making a bold move to support diversity in outdoor spaces by backpacking 100 miles in full drag, aiming to raise $1 million for nonprofit organizations. This trek, which began in Marin County and includes a challenging traverse over the Golden Gate Bridge, will culminate in a dramatic drag show at The Warfield on Dec. 6. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, the funds raised are destined for eight different charities that promote equity and environmentalism.
In just three days since starting this ambitious journey, Pattie has already generated over $600,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, drawing support from more than 11,700 donors, as KRON4 News shared. According to a recent Instagram update, Pattie hopes that her efforts will not only garner financial support but also raise greater awareness about diversity in outdoor spaces. She expressed her dedication in an Instagram announcement saying, “I will do anything to support these incredible nonprofits that do so much work to diversity the outdoors,” according to the Chronicle.
The causes benefiting from this fundraising are varied, including 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. This initiative holds particular significance for Pattie, who has been a vocal critic of policies that threaten diversity and inclusion, particularly during the previous administration. Last month, Pattie appeared at an LGBTQ+ tribute event sporting a trans Pride flag dress, following a notable demonstration in Yosemite Valley in which activists hung a trans Pride flag from El Capitan, as reported by the Chronicle…