Pattie Gonia makes history as first drag queen to summit Mount Everest

Pattie Gonia makes history as first drag queen to summit Mount Everest

Pattie Gonia, the renowned drag queen and environmental activist, has become the first drag performer to reach the summit of Mount Everest, according to the Nepal Mountaineering Association on Tuesday. The climber, whose legal name is Wyn Wiley, completed the ascent at 5:47 AM local time from the South Col route, accompanied by a team of Sherpa guides and using specialized cold-weather gear. The event occurred on May 21, 2024, after a two-month expedition starting from base camp in Khumbu Valley. This achievement aims to raise awareness for climate change and LGBTQ+ inclusion in extreme sports, with Wiley stating, "Drag is resilience, and the mountain demanded every bit of it." The summit marks a historic milestone for both mountaineering and drag culture, following efforts by previous activists to combine performance art with outdoor advocacy.