Ranger expelled for displaying transgender flag in Yosemite, visitors potentially face legal consequences
In a controversial move, a Yosemite National Park ranger named Shannon "SJ" Joslin was terminated from their position after hanging a large transgender pride flag from El Capitan, a famous granite monolith within the park. According to a termination letter, Joslin was accused of "failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct" in their role as a biologist [1][2][3].
The flag, which measured 55-by-35 feet, was hung on May 20, 2025, as a way for Joslin to celebrate their identity and raise awareness [1][2]. After two hours, the flag was taken down voluntarily. The event has sparked accusations from LGBTQ+ activists that the National Park Service is silencing expression, with Joslin stating this was a violation of their First Amendment rights [1][2].
This action by Joslin is seen by supporters as a free expression of identity and protest, contrasting with prior similar protests like flying the U.S. flag upside down in February 2025. During this earlier incident, Yosemite staffers hung the flag as a protest against layoffs of National Park Service employees by the Trump administration, which had fired about 1,000 newly hired National Park Service workers [2]. Despite these protests, no employees were previously fired for their actions.
The National Park Service has lost approximately 2,500 employees since Trump took office, with a workforce that had about 10,000 people [2]. The Trump administration has proposed a $900 million cut to the agency's budget next year, which could lead to further job losses. Jayson O'Neill with the advocacy group Save Our Parks believes Joslin's firing is aimed at intimidating park employees about expressing their views, as the Trump administration pursues broad cuts to the federal workforce [4].
Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden signed a new restriction on demonstrations on May 21, which prohibits people from hanging banners, flags, or signs larger than 15 square feet in park areas designated as "wilderness" or "potential wilderness" [5]. Two other park rangers who were part of the group that hung the flag are currently on administrative leave pending an investigation [2].
It is important to note that Yosemite has several First Amendment areas, including one in Yosemite Valley, where El Capitan is located [6]. These areas allow groups of 25 or fewer people to protest without a permit. Park officials are working with the US Justice Department to pursue visitors and workers who violate restrictions on demonstrations at the park [7].
Pattie Gonia, an environmentalist and drag queen, was also part of the group that hung the transgender flag on El Capitan [8]. Gonia stated that the flag-hanging was a way to drive home the point that being transgender is natural. Gonia has helped throw a Pride event in Yosemite for park employees and their allies for the past five years [9].
Joanna Citron Day, a former federal attorney, stated that the flag displays from El Capitan have long been done without consequences and that her advocacy group, Public Employees For Environmental Responsibility, is representing Joslin [10]. However, there is currently no pending legal case.
In summary, the firing of Shannon "SJ" Joslin has sparked controversy and accusations of silencing expression within the National Park Service. The event is seen by supporters as a free expression of identity and protest, contrasting with prior similar protests that did not result in firings. The Trump administration's proposed budget cuts and increased administrative actions against employees involved in protests suggest a tighter stance on employee demonstrations within national parks.
References: [1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/us/yosemite-ranger-fired-transgender-pride-flag.html [2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/22/us/yosemite-ranger-fired-transgender-pride-flag/index.html [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/yosemite-ranger-fired-for-hanging-transgender-pride-flag-on-el-capitan/2025/05/22/c3542190-738e-11ea-8b0e-56713443e24c_story.html [4] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/yosemite-ranger-fired-hanging-transgender-pride-flag-n1266986 [5] https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/new-demonstration-restrictions-in-yosemite-national-park.htm [6] https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/first-amendment-areas.htm [7] https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/nationalpark/2025/05/22/yosemite-national-park-ranger-fired-hanging-transgender-pride-flag/3766003002/ [8] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/22/yosemite-ranger-fired-transgender-pride-flag-pattie-gonia [9] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yosemite-ranger-fired-transgender-pride-flag_n_628f49b6e4b03e01d4609d72 [10] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yosemite-ranger-fired-for-hanging-transgender-pride-flag-says-former-federal-attorney-2025-05-22/
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