Ranger dismissed due to displaying transgender flag in Yosemite National Park, with park visitors potentially facing legal action

In the heart of California, a stirring event unfolded at Yosemite National Park. Shannon "SJ" Joslin, a ranger at the park, was fired for hanging a transgender pride flag from El Capitan, a renowned rock formation, during their off-duty time as a personal expression of identity.

Joslin, who identifies as nonbinary, hung the flag to assert that everyone is safe in national parks. The flag was up for about two hours before it was taken down voluntarily. The incident has sparked a debate about free expression and the limits of protest in national parks, with many viewing it as an unjust suppression of individual rights.

The firing has been criticized as a violation of First Amendment rights, with Joslin's supporters arguing that the decision was a clear attempt to intimidate park employees who may hold views contrary to the current administration. Jayson O'Neill with the advocacy group Save Our Parks believes that the firing was aimed at sending a message to federal workers with identities that disagree with the administration, that they must remain silent or risk being eliminated.

The incident comes amidst a broader context of tightened restrictions on protests and unauthorized displays on federal lands during Trump's presidency. Historically, the Trump administration took a stricter stance on protests, emphasizing law and order and sometimes curbing expressive activities perceived as disruptive. The National Park Service, which operates under the Department of the Interior, aligned with these broader federal priorities, often including restricting unauthorized displays or demonstrations on federal property.

This is not the first time that flags have been hung from El Capitan. In the past, various flags have been displayed without disciplinary action, including political protest flags. However, in Joslin's case, park officials deemed the trans pride flag as unacceptable conduct, citing it in a termination letter that accused Joslin of "failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct" in their capacity as a biologist.

The new rule prohibiting people from hanging banners, flags, or signs larger than 15 square feet was signed by Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden on May 21. The rule covers 94% of Yosemite National Park, according to the park's website. Park officials argue that the new restriction is needed to preserve Yosemite's wilderness and protect climbers.

Meanwhile, Pattie Gonia, an environmentalist and drag queen, helped hang the transgender flag on El Capitan to drive home the point that being transgender is natural. Gonia called Joslin's firing unjust.

The firing of Shannon "SJ" Joslin is not an isolated incident in the Trump administration's approach to gender issues. Trump has limited access to gender-affirming medical treatments, banned trans women from competing in women's sports, removed trans people from the military, and changed the federal definition of sex to exclude the concept of gender identity.

Many parks, including Yosemite, have designated "First Amendment areas" where groups of 25 or fewer people can protest without a permit. Yosemite has several First Amendment areas, including one in Yosemite Valley, where El Capitan is located. Despite these areas, the debate over free expression and the limits of protest in national parks continues, with the firing of Shannon "SJ" Joslin serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for individual rights in public spaces.

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/us/yosemite-ranger-fired-transgender-flag.html [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/yosemite-ranger-fired-for-hanging-transgender-flag-from-el-capitan/2025/05/22/e693c27e-47a7-11ea-84a8-28f71b30d9a6_story.html [3] https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/22/us/yosemite-ranger-fired-transgender-flag/index.html [4] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/22/yosemite-ranger-fired-transgender-flag-085602

In the broader context, the Trump administration's proposed $900 million cut to the agency's budget next year could lead to further staff reductions, potentially affecting the park's ability to manage and protect its resources. Since Trump took office, the National Park Service has lost approximately 2,500 employees from a workforce that had about 10,000 people. Park officials are working with the US Justice Department to pursue visitors and workers who violated restrictions on demonstrations at the park.

As the debate over free expression and the limits of protest in national parks continues, it is crucial to uphold the principles of individual rights and freedom of speech while ensuring the preservation of natural resources and public order. The firing of Shannon "SJ" Joslin serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between these two important aspects.

Another notable event related to gender issues is the Air Force Thunderbirds flying over the 2022 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, and the US Air Force's proposal to deny retirement pay to transgender service members being separated from the service. The US military's stance on transgender service members has been a subject of controversy and debate, with many arguing that it is discriminatory and against the principles of equality and fairness.

As the nation grapples with these issues, the firing of Shannon "SJ" Joslin serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for individual rights and the need to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and expression, even in the face of adversity.

Ranger dismissed due to displaying transgender flag in Yosemite National Park, with park visitors potentially facing legal action