Thank you to queer environmentalist and community builder Pattie Gonia for stopping by Forest Park on Saturday, October 23rd as part of their HiQueen Tour sponsored by HOKA!
It was a lovely, classic, RAINY day in Forest Park, but a truly beautiful time connecting people and having important conversations about intersectionality in the outdoors.
The tour was designed for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to build community and foster allyship in the outdoors. Pattie (she/they) founded the Pattie Gonia community which exists to uplift LGBTQ people and allies in the outdoors and to exist as a platform to give other voices and organizations “all the shine in the world”. We were thrilled to be invited to represent Portland and host a group to celebrate the wonder and majesty of Forest Park!
FPC believes in creating an outdoor culture that allows people to be their authentic selves. We know this is only possible by actively encouraging and fostering a diverse community of nature enthusiasts and stewards. Events like these bring people together to learn, make new friends, and make a connection to Forest Park that can last a lifetime.
Pattie said it best that everyone’s “safe place” looks different, so by focusing on a “brave space” we were able to talk and connect with one another on complicated topics. A handful of the participants had never been to Forest Park before so of course we were excited to show them around, and look forward to seeing them out in the park again soon!
Our call to action to you is to invite someone who hasn’t been to Forest Park to join you the next time you visit. The more people who appreciate and care about Forest Park, the more people there will be to care for it. And thank you again to Pattie and the team for everything you do to connect people with nature!
