History of Pattie Gonia in Timeline

Pattie Gonia, alter ego of Wyn Wiley, is an American drag queen who uses her platform to advocate for environmental protection and LGBTQ+ rights. She uses her drag persona to engage audiences and promote inclusivity and sustainability through creative content and community initiatives. Pattie Gonia is known for her unique blend of drag performance and outdoor advocacy.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 21, 1992: Wyn Wiley's Birth

On July 21, 1992, Wyn Wiley, later known as Pattie Gonia, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2014: Graduation from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

In 2014, Wiley graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in advertising and public relations.

October 2018: Creation of Pattie Gonia

In October 2018, Wiley created the character Pattie Gonia, producing short-form outdoors activism content on Instagram and TikTok, while in drag.

December 2018: Interview with REI and Music Video Release

In December 2018, Wiley was interviewed by REI, an outdoor clothing company, alongside the release of his first music video as Pattie Gonia.

January 2019: Attendance at Outdoor Retailer Trade Show

In January 2019, Pattie Gonia attracted media attention for attending the Outdoor Retailer trade show in all-white drag.

November 2019: Subject of the "Dear Mother Nature" documentary

In November 2019, Pattie Gonia was the subject of a REI documentary titled "Dear Mother Nature". It was accompanied by a shorter, 3-minute spoken word poem video titled "Everything to Lose".

March 2020: Video with BBC News

In March 2020, Pattie Gonia produced a video with BBC News about the activist's work.

2020: Named to the Out100 and nominated for the Shorty Awards

In 2020, Pattie Gonia was named to the Out100, Out magazine's annual list of the "most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ people." They were also nominated for the Shorty Awards in the LGBTQ+ category.

January 2022: Co-founding of The Outdoorist Oath

In January 2022, Wiley co-founded "The Outdoorist Oath", a nonprofit working on diversity, equity, and inclusion and environmental causes in the outdoors community.

October 2022: Dressing as Climate Change for Halloween

In October 2022, Pattie Gonia was the subject of media coverage for their Halloween costume, where they dressed as climate change.

2022: Standing with Kamala Harris at a Pride Event

In 2022, Pattie Gonia stood with Kamala Harris at a pride event. An image from the event was used in an advertisement for the Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign.

2023: Release of "Won't Give Up"

In 2023, Pattie Gonia released "Won't Give Up" with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and Indigenous trans musician Quinn Christopherson. The music video was filmed in Kenai Fjords National Park as a tribute to Exit Glacier.

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2023: Inclusion in Time magazine's Next Generation Leaders list

In 2023, Time magazine included Pattie Gonia in their list of Next Generation Leaders.

2024: Touring with the SAVE HER! show

Also in 2024, Pattie Gonia toured with her show SAVE HER!, an environmental drag show. The show visited a number of cities across the U.S.

2024: Attending the Glaad Awards with a protest sign

In 2024, Pattie Gonia attended the Glaad Awards holding a sign reading "End Genocide End Ecocide" as a reference to the war in Gaza and worldwide ecocide.

2024: Hosting the "Anti-Plastic Fantastic" environmental drag show

In 2024, Pattie Gonia hosted an environmental drag show titled “Anti-Plastic Fantastic’”, advocating against single-use plastics and the waste of not reusing clothing.

2024: Named a National Geographic Traveler of the Year

In 2024, Pattie Gonia was named a National Geographic Traveler of the Year.

2024: Image used in Donald Trump campaign ad

In 2024, an image of Pattie Gonia standing with Kamala Harris at a pride event in 2022 was used in an advertisement for the Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign. Pattie Gonia responded to the ad on social media, noting that the Trump campaign did not have permission to use the image and directing followers to a fundraiser for two LGBTQ advocacy groups.

September 2025: Filing to trademark "Pattie Gonia"

In September 2025, Pattie Gonia filed to trademark "Pattie Gonia" to use on clothing, marketing services, and more.

2025: Giving a TedTalk

In 2025, Pattie Gonia gave a TedTalk about the role of joy in the fight against climate change and supporting queer rights.

January 2026: Patagonia Sues Pattie Gonia for Trademark Infringement

In January 2026, Patagonia sued Pattie Gonia for trademark infringement. The brand argues that Pattie Gonia's "near-copy of our name...poses long-term threats to Patagonia’s brand and our activism."