In a recent event, park rangers collaborated with various LGBTQ activists, including Patigonia, known from MTV’s *Rupaul’s Drag Race*, after she alleged she was terminated for displaying a transgender flag on Yosemite’s El Capitan.
On August 18, Shannon Jocelyn took to Instagram to share that she was dismissed from the National Park Service (NPS) following her “trans flagging El Capitan” act back in May. Jocelyn emphasized that this was done “as a private citizen” in her own time.
As reported, Jocelyn, who identifies as non-binary, holds a PhD in Genomics with a focus on bats.
“I lost my dream job as a permanent park ranger with the NPS last week for exercising my First Amendment rights,” Jocelyn mentioned. “In May, I hung the flag to celebrate my identity. It was a civilian act.”
Jocelyn also noted that she arrived “two hours early” before the flag was eventually removed.
“The flag had been displayed for decades without consequence,” she said, feeling singled out. “My termination came from a temporary assistant supervisor who cited a lack of acceptable conduct regarding my role as a wildlife biologist.”
Jocelyn expressed her passion for her work in Yosemite, saying, “It encompassed wildlife, land, recreation, and community rights. I want my job back and my rights acknowledged. Please help amplify my story.”
According to Breitbart News, in May, the “Coalition of LGBTQ Activists Climbers,” also known as “Trans Is Natural,” unfurled the flag at a height of 1,500 feet on El Capitan between 8 AM and 10 AM.
They mentioned that the flag, measuring 55 by 35 feet, is the largest to be raised at this iconic climbing site.
Activists reportedly displayed the massive trans flag during that time frame at El Capitan.
Gonia, a representative from the group, stated their purpose was to showcase the transgender flag in Yosemite, underlining that transgender individuals have a love for nature, as noted in reports.
“Let’s hoist this flag high as a statement against hatred,” Gonia declared. “We respect the existence of trans people. It’s both a protest and a celebration, promoting liberation.”
An NPS spokesperson provided clarification to Pinknews, noting that both the NPS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) were investigating actions against some Yosemite employees and considering potential criminal charges against park visitors for breaching federal laws related to the demonstration.
