Pattie Gonia

Pattie Gonia, a drag queen and environmental activist, utilizes her platform to promote inclusivity in the outdoors and advocate for climate action. After creating her iconic drag character Pattie Gonia in October 2018, her initial video release garnered over 100 million views, instantly establishing her significant presence in the digital sphere. As the world’s first ‘backpacking queen,’ Pattie Gonia went viral for hiking in six-inch heels in 2018, using her unique platform to advocate for climate action and promote inclusivity in the outdoors, particularly for the queer community. Her name, a pun on Patagonia, reflects her core focus on environmental and outdoor issues, which she consistently highlights through her performances in elaborate, often upcycled camping tent costumes.

In 2020, Pattie Gonia was named to the prestigious Out100 list and received a Shorty Award nomination in the LGBTQ+ category. TIME magazine honored her in 2023 by including her on their esteemed list of Next Generation Leaders, followed by National Geographic recognizing her as a Traveler of the Year in 2024. Her media appearances include interviews with REI and being the subject of the 2019 REI documentary titled ‘Dear Mother Nature.’ In 2023, she released the powerful music video ‘Won’t Give Up’ in collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma and Quinn Christopherson, filmed in Kenai Fjords National Park to draw attention to the retreating Exit Glacier. Demonstrating her continued leadership, Pattie Gonia hosted her ‘Anti-Plastic Fantastic’ environmental drag show in 2024, further amplifying her message through engaging performance art.

In 2025, she delivered a historic TED Talk in full drag, a poignant address emphasizing the critical role of joy in both climate action and the ongoing fight for queer rights.