Ex-Yosemite Ranger SJ Joslin Sues Federal Government for Wrongful Termination After Hanging Trans Flag.

Dr. Shannon SJ Joslin, a former Yosemite ranger, is suing the U.S. government for wrongful termination after being fired for displaying a transgender pride flag on El Capitan in 2025. Joslin claims this violated their First Amendment rights and privacy protections, sparking nationwide support and legal action.

Dr. Shannon SJ Joslin, previously employed as a park ranger and biologist at Yosemite National Park, has initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of the Interior after being dismissed in the summer of 2025 for displaying a transgender pride flag on El Capitan. Joslin asserts that their termination infringed upon both their rights under the First Amendment and protections granted by the Privacy Act, according to information reported by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

Details of the Incident

Identifying as nonbinary and gay, Joslin was off-duty in May 2025 when they, along with a small group of rock climbers, placed a large transgender pride flag on the summit of El Capitan. The act was reportedly intended as a response to prior administrative policies aimed at minimizing visibility of transgender individuals and communities on government platforms, including official National Park Service websites. The flag remained on display for roughly three hours before being voluntarily removed by the group.

Following this event, Joslin became the subject of scrutiny by federal authorities, culminating in their termination later that year.

Termination and Investigation

In August 2025, Joslin was formally dismissed by the National Park Service. Additionally, a criminal investigation was launched by the Department of Justice. Historical records indicate that similar displays of flags on El Capitan had not previously resulted in disciplinary action, despite the peak being a location historically used for a variety of political and non-political expressions by climbers.

Community Response and Recognition

The dismissal of Joslin generated notable concern and criticism within the LGBTQ+ community. They received widespread support from advocacy groups and allies. In December 2025, Joslin was honored by Out magazine as one of the Out100 recipients. At the award ceremony, Joslin attended the red carpet with environmental activist and drag performer Pattie Gonia, who wore a gown made from the El Capitan transgender pride flag to demonstrate solidarity.

Legal Representation

Joanna Citron Day, general counsel at PEER and one of Joslin’s attorneys, stated that the current administration is targeting Joslin to intimidate public employees. According to Day, Joslin exercised their First Amendment rights through the off-duty display of the flag and was unlawfully punished to discourage similar expression. Day emphasized that Joslin’s termination was illegal and called for immediate reinstatement.

Overview of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit filed by Joslin emphasizes several critical points: the alleged violation of First Amendment rights due to termination following an off-duty, personal expression of political speech; the claimed breach of the Privacy Act in connection with the firing; and the absence of prior disciplinary action against individuals who displayed flags on El Capitan. The case raises significant questions about the limits of federal employment authority and protections for personal expression by government employees.

Public Impact and Ongoing Proceedings

The case has attracted national attention from both the LGBTQ+ community and environmental advocates. Supporters argue that the termination reflects a pattern of discriminatory treatment and establishes a concerning precedent for public employees seeking to express political or social views. The lawsuit continues to progress through legal channels, with calls for Joslin’s reinstatement and acknowledgment of their constitutional rights.

Sources:

• Out Magazine
• Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)
• The Advocate
• Former Yosemite ranger SJ Joslin sues federal government for firing over hanging trans flag