Pattie Gonia Partners with National Park Service to Launch Inclusive Hiking Program for LGBTQ+ Youth
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 12, 2023 – In a move that merges environmental advocacy with social inclusion, drag queen and outdoor enthusiast Pattie Gonia has announced a formal partnership with the National Park Service to launch a nationwide hiking program. The initiative, titled "Trails of Pride," aims to provide safe and welcoming outdoor experiences for LGBTQ+ youth in underserved communities.
The program, which will debut in ten national parks across the United States, includes guided hikes, educational workshops on conservation, and mentorship opportunities. According to a press release issued jointly by the National Park Service and Pattie Gonia, the effort is designed to address historical disparities in outdoor access for marginalized groups. "Our mission is to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging in our wild places," Pattie Gonia stated in the release. The partnership is funded by a grant from the Outdoor Foundation and will run through the summer of 2024.