Yosemite National Park Dismisses Ranger Over Pride Flag Display

Yosemite National Park has terminated ranger and wildlife biologist Shannon “SJ” Jocelyn due to his involvement with the transgender pride flag displayed on El Capitan on May 12. This information comes from both Jocelyn and park officials.

The dismissal follows a notable event where activists unfurled a 55 x 35-foot banner as part of their “Trans is Natural” initiative, though park staff later removed it. The organizers maintain that they adhered to all regulations during the display.

“I will fight this with everything I’ve got,” Jocelyn told NBC News following his dismissal, framing the situation as a free speech issue.

According to Jocelyn, park leadership indicated he “didn’t exhibit any acceptable conduct” due to his involvement in the flag’s display. The National Park Service (NPS) has stated it is investigating multiple employees, and the Department of Justice is contemplating potential criminal charges against several visitors involved in the park’s demonstration.

This action gained traction on social media, particularly through a video featuring performer Patigonia. The footage captures climbers raising the flag on El Capitan.

“Some carry hatred, but we’ve showcased the largest trans pride flag ever flown in a national park to make a statement,” Gonia says in the video.

Organizers described the event as a celebration of “belonging to a trance in nature,” claiming that Yosemite officials removed the flag around 11:30 a.m. “despite no rules being broken.”

An NPS spokesperson did not specify which regulations employees allegedly violated, but emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on breaches of laws and park policies. They mentioned that most demonstrations are required to have permits.

Reports reveal that Yosemite officials updated the director’s notes the following day, noting the flag’s presence in the wilderness. Jocelyn contended that the flag had previously hung on El Capitan for some time.