In a striking display of activism and endurance, the renowned drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia has successfully completed a 100-mile solo trek along the California coast, raising a monumental $1 million for charity. The journey culminated on Friday afternoon with a triumphant strut across San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
A Trek in Heels for a Cause
The week-long expedition began at Point Reyes National Seashore, with Pattie Gonia hiking the entire distance to San Francisco while in full drag, complete with her signature voluminous red wig and dramatic makeup. Each day involved getting into character, trekking, and setting up camp, all while documenting the journey for her substantial social media following.
The physical challenge was a core part of a broader campaign to raise funds for eight non-profit organisations dedicated to expanding access and fostering equity in outdoor spaces. "Don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't make a difference," she wrote on social media after finishing. She reflected on initial scepticism, noting that when she first conceived the fundraiser, some "laughed in my face."
From Social Media Star to Prominent Advocate
Pattie Gonia has evolved into one of the United States' most visible drag queens and a powerful voice for diversity, inclusion, and environmentalism. Her activism frequently intersects the worlds of outdoor adventure and LGBTQ+ rights. Earlier this year, she helped organise a demonstration at Yosemite National Park where climbers hung a trans pride flag from the formidable El Capitan.
"We flew the Trans pride flag in Yosemite to make a statement: Trans people are natural and Trans people are loved," she declared at the time. Her visibility has even drawn her into the political sphere; in 2024, footage of her with Vice-President Kamala Harris was used in a Donald Trump campaign attack ad.
A Million-Dollar Victory for Inclusion
By the time she crossed the finish line at the Golden Gate Bridge, the associated GoFundMe campaign had surpassed its ambitious goal. It garnered over $1 million from nearly 35,000 individual donations, a testament to widespread support for her mission. The trek concluded with a celebratory cake, marking the end of a gruelling but successful endeavour.
Pattie Gonia sees her journey as proof of concept for grassroots change. "Seven years later and I hope I can be a little bit of proof to you that combining who you are and what you're good at to fight for the change you want to see in the world works," she stated. Her final show of the year is scheduled in San Francisco, a performance she joked she would make "if I can make it in time" after the exhausting trek.
This unique fundraiser highlights a growing movement to challenge traditional perceptions of who belongs in nature, proving that advocacy can be as bold and vibrant as a drag queen's eyeliner.
