A transgender park ranger says they were fired for flying a massive trans Pride flag from one of America’s most iconic natural landmarks. Shannon Joslin, a biologist and permanent ranger at Yosemite National Park, shared on Instagram that they lost their job for practicing their First Amendment right. Joslin explained that while off duty, as a private citizen, they hung a 55-by-35-foot transgender Pride flag on El Capitan. They said the flag was up for just two hours before being taken down.
Joslin wrote, “El Capitan has had flags hung on it for decades, and no one has EVER been punished for it. Only me.”
They said they were terminated by a deputy superintendent for failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct.
Joslin, who has served as a wildland firefighter, rescue technician, and first responder, said they’ve never received negative comments about their conduct before this incident.
Joslin’s post read, “Preservation has been my life’s work—of Yosemite, the wildlife, the land, recreation, of people’s rights and safety, of community and acceptance, and now the Constitutional First Amendment…I want my rights, and I want my career back.”
Environmental activist and drag queen Pattie Gonia, who co-organized the flag action, called the firing a direct violation of First Amendment rights and linked it to broader efforts under the Trump administration to erase trans voices from the National Park Service.
The Resistance Rangers, who also took part, wrote that the banner was a reminder that queer people belong everywhere. Advocates say the case raises urgent questions about free speech, visibility, and whether public lands truly remain open for all communities.
