pattie gonia named Drag Laureate of the United States, conservation and climate advocacy become viral focus
LOS ANGELES, CA – July 17, 2024 – In a historic announcement from the National Endowment for the Arts, pattie gonia, the renowned drag queen environmentalist, has been officially appointed as the first-ever Drag Laureate of the United States. The decision, effective immediately, comes following a unanimous vote by a panel of industry and environmental leaders, recognizing her unique blend of performance art and climate activism.
What happened: The National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the nonprofit conservation organization Protect Our Winters, confirmed the appointment on Monday morning. The new role will involve pattie gonia traveling to all 50 states over the next two years, delivering educational performances focused on climate resilience and outdoor stewardship.
Who: pattie gonia, a self-described “queer environmentalist” from Portland, Oregon, is known for her signature high-heeled hiking boots and glitter-infused activism. Her online community, the “Joyful Activist Collective,” has grown to over 1.5 million followers across platforms, where she combines drag artistry with urgent calls for environmental justice.
Where: The official investiture ceremony is scheduled for August 15 at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The first official performance tour leg will begin in September in Yellowstone National Park, with additional stops planned for the Everglades, the Great Lakes region, and the Pacific Northwest.
When: The appointment comes amid a record-breaking summer of heat waves and wildfires across the country, placing the role’s climate messaging under intense scrutiny. pattie gonia is set to deliver her first formal address, titled “Drag the Vote for the Planet,” at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November.
Why: Officials stated the initiative is designed to reach younger, disenfranchised voters and outdoor enthusiasts who have historically been overlooked by traditional climate campaigns