Archive · 20 Aug 2025
Yosemite Ranger Fired Over Transgender Pride Flag Display
A park ranger in Yosemite was fired for putting up a big transgender pride flag.
Park officials are also looking into whether visitors broke the rules about protesting in the park.
The ranger, who is nonbinary, said they hung the flag to show that everyone is welcome in national parks, especially with the current policies affecting transgender people.
The park has rules about what you can hang and where, and they say the ranger broke these rules.
Some people think the firing is unfair and meant to stop park employees from speaking out.
The park says they want to protect the park and the people who visit.
A Yosemite ranger was fired after hanging a transgender pride flag on El Capitan.
Park officials are working with the U.S. Justice Department to pursue visitors and workers who violated demonstration restrictions.
The new restriction prohibits banners or flags larger than 15 square feet in wilderness areas.
The ranger, Shannon “SJ” Joslin, stated the flag was hung to show solidarity amid policies targeting transgender people.
Advocates suggest the firing is aimed at deterring park employees from expressing views.
- Who
- Shannon “SJ” Joslin, park ranger, and park officials.
- What
- A Yosemite ranger was fired for hanging a transgender pride flag on El Capitan.
- When
- The incident occurred on May 20, the ranger was fired the following week.
- Where
- Yosemite National Park, California.
- Why
- The ranger hung the flag to show solidarity and protest against current policies targeting transgender people.
Supporters of the Ranger
Park Officials
Flag Display
Supporters of the Ranger
Expressing solidarity and support for the transgender community.
Park Officials
Violating park regulations.
Freedom of Expression
Supporters of the Ranger
The firing is seen as a form of silencing dissent and deterring employees from expressing their views.
Park Officials
The ranger violated park policy.
- Ranger's Name
- Shannon “SJ” Joslin
- Flag Size
- 66-foot wide
- Location of Flag
- El Capitan, Yosemite National Park
- New Restriction
- Banners/flags larger than 15 sq ft in wilderness areas are prohibited.
- Possible Action
- Administrative action against park employees and possible criminal charges against visitors.
- Former Attorney
- Joanna Citron Day