Pattie Gonia Begins New 500-Mile In-Drag Hike to Raise $5M

The activist's previous in-drag hike raised $1.2 million. She's now committed to backpacking and biking 500 miles to raise $5 million.

Nov 10, 2026

Pattie Gonia announces 500-mile hike to raise $5 million in a new Instagram Reel. **Instagram (@pattiegonia)**

Drag artist, social media influencer, and environmental activist Pattie Gonia has officially kicked off a new in-drag hike — this time, it includes backpacking and biking 500 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles for over a month to raise $5 million for nonprofit charities.

Last time I spoke with Pattie, we discussed her historic 102-mile in-drag hike that raised $1.2 million for climate and queer-led outdoor organizations. During our interview, which became a digital cover for Out Traveler, Pattie teased that she was already working on “an even more ambitious hike” that would include “more miles [and] an undisclosed location.” Well, now we know!

Pattie revealed her latest adventure on Monday, November 9 via a series of Instagram Stories and an official announcement via Instagram Reel:

“My name is Pattie Gonia and, starting today, I am backpacking and biking 500 miles in drag to try to raise $5 million dollars for 19 nonprofits. Right now, I’m in San Francisco and I’m gonna be traveling all the way down the California coast getting in full beat every single day and crossing the finish line in LA with a massive outdoor party. And I’ll be doing one of those miles in high heels every single day.
“If you’re wondering, ‘Pattie, are you really doing this?’ I am. I’m insane. But I would do anything to support these 19 amazing organizations doing climate and social justice work who have had critical grants defunded because of the corrupt Trump administration.”

In the video, Pattie breaks down how supporters can help her reach the new fundraiser’s $5 million goal.

Pattie Gonia via Instagram Reel (cont’d):
“Here are 2 ways you can help: 1. Donate to the fundraiser, the link is in my bio, and you get these free stickers when you donate; 2. Share this video everywhere you can, you have no idea how much it helps.
“The way that billionaires could sneeze and donate $5 million. But instead, last year, when I backpacked 100 miles in drag, 35,000 of you donated a collective $1.2 million dollars.”

As with her previous drag hike, Pattie will post daily social media content to show progress and encourage more donations. Beyond that, the announcement ended with some pointed words for U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Pattie Gonia via Instagram Reel (cont’d):
“I’m posting videos every single day, so follow along to watch my drag slowly decompose in front of your face because I’m hiking in the middle of an El f*cking Niño. If not us, then who? Let’s ride that ‘Blue Wave.’
“And Pete Hegseth: You could literally f*cking never, you little ‘keebler elf-looking a$$ mother f*cking secretly g@y little b*tch.’ Anyways, go donate!”

The official GoFundMe page taking donations for “Pattie Gonia’s $5 Million Dollar Hike & Bike Fundraiser” is already live.

Which organizations will benefit from Pattie Gonia's $5M fundraising initiative?

Pattie included the official list of the nonprofit organizations that will benefit from this $5 million donation on the GoFundMe page. See the list below.

Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps

Website: www.easternsierracc.org

Instagram: @easternsierracc

The Children’s Home Project

Website: tchproject.org

Instagram: @tchproject

Brave Trails

Website: bravetrails.org

Instagram: @bravetrails

Queer Outdoor Expedition Scholarships

Website: pattiegonia.net/queer-outdoor-expedition

The Outdoorist Oath