New Climate Activist Identified as Pattie Gonia in Viral Drag Queen Performance at COP28
DUBAI, UAE — In an unexpected turn at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, the environmental activist known as Pattie Gonia delivered a high-profile performance on Monday, drawing thousands of online views and sparking widespread debate. The event, which occurred at a designated civil society stage, featured the drag queen altering a traditional song to emphasize rising global temperatures. Who is Pattie Gonia? The performer, identified as a professional artist and educator from Portland, Oregon, has used her platform to merge LGBTQ+ advocacy with climate action. What happened? The performance included a call for fossil fuel divestment, which was met with both applause and criticism from attendees. When did this occur? The event took place on December 4, 2023, during a key negotiation session. Where was it held? The performance was staged at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the main hub for side events. Why is this significant? The viral clip has been viewed over two million times, prompting discussions on the role of art in policy-making. In a statement, Pattie Gonia said, "Climate change is not just a scientific issue; it is a cultural one. We must use every tool to inspire change."