Popular drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia says she’s scared. She found it hard not to respond when the news came that Shannon “SJ” Joslin, a ranger and wildlife biologist at Yosemite National Park, had been fired. On May 20, Joslin placed the huge 66-foot wide transgender pride flag on El Capitan. This courageous move helped make the case for LGBTQ+ rights and public spaces by celebrating the power of conservation to create equality. More than two hours passed before the flag was taken down voluntarily with strong opposition to its display spreading on social media. Following this incident, Joslin received a termination letter accusing them of “failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct” in their role.
The situation has drawn widespread attention. It has served as a catalyst for larger conversations on the Trump administration’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people. She has served as the past five years—providing passionate advocacy for Yosemite’s LGBTQ+ community. As Sheland has grown this event, she has created a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for Pride for park staff and their allies. Joslin’s community has rallied around her. As for LGBTQ civil servants, they denounce the termination as discriminatory and unlawful, viewing it as an assault on one’s individual identity in federal service.
Ranger’s Actions and Subsequent Termination
On May 20, Shannon Joslin, who has been recognized as a respected member of the Yosemite community, hung a large transgender pride flag on El Capitan, one of the park’s most iconic rock formations. This action helped underscore the current plight of transgender individuals, especially in our current administration.
His display of the flag led to Joslin’s firing. In their civil suit settlement, park officials only referred to an inability to uphold proper behavior in his official capacity. We applaud Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden for acting quickly. One measure he enacted was a new regulation to prohibit banners, flags, or signs greater than 15 square feet in the park’s designated “wilderness” and “potential wilderness” areas. This National Park Service regulation is grounded in protecting Yosemite’s natural landscape and in safeguarding the safety of climbers.
“We take the protection of the park’s resources and the experience of our visitors very seriously, and will not tolerate violations of laws and regulations that impact those resources and experiences.” – Rachel Pawlitz
This is especially significant considering that about 94% of Yosemite National Park is designated wilderness. Critics contend that this policy unfairly targets marginalized communities who are simply trying to express their identities in national parks.
Community Response and Implications
The community response has been immediate and loud. Pattie Gonia emphasized Joslin’s contributions to Yosemite, stating that they are “a respected pillar within the Yosemite community, a tireless volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond.” Thousands have come out in support of Joslin. They assert that this case demonstrates broader patterns of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in federal employment.
Joslin conveyed sadness about their firing and what it means for other political appointees at federal agencies. They pointed to their sense of vulnerability under an administration that has passed policies viewed as anti-trans.
“If you’re a federal worker and you have any kind of identity that doesn’t agree with this current administration, then you must be silent, or you will be eliminated.” – Joslin
Joslin’s sentiments resonate with countless others. To start, they feel very much under attack by recent federal actions restricting access to gender‐affirming medical care, trans military service, and participation in women’s sports.
Broader Context of Discrimination
Joslin’s firing has caused a firestorm. It underscores the larger campaign of discrimination and denial of rights that the Trump administration has waged against the LGBTQ+ community. Policies passed in recent years have limited access to critical services and exacerbated discriminatory practices against transgender people. These measures have involved banning access to gender-affirming medical treatments, as well as banning trans women from competing in women’s sports.
Joslin’s termination, Jayson O’Neill said, appears to be meant as a threat to park employees. This leg work couldn’t be more timely, as federal workers face increasing pressure over who they are from the current administration’s regressive policies. Such intimidation has the potential to silence future acts of advocacy—not only in national parks, but all across the country.
“Joslin’s firing appears aimed at intimidating park employees about expressing their views as the Trump administration pursues broad cuts to the federal workforce.” – Jayson O’Neill
