A former wildlife biologist at Yosemite National Park has filed a federal lawsuit against the National Park Service, alleging wrongful termination after participating in a transgender Pride flag demonstration at El Capitan.
Shannon “SJ” Joslin, who uses they/them pronouns, was fired in July 2025 after helping display the flag on the iconic rock formation while off duty. The lawsuit argues the dismissal violated Joslin’s constitutional free speech rights and was motivated by the federal government’s disagreement with their support for the transgender community.
Lawsuit Claims Political Motivation
Joslin’s attorneys say the termination occurred amid broader policies from the administration of Donald Trump affecting transgender individuals, and that Joslin acted as a private citizen—not as a park employee—during the demonstration.
The flag remained in place for less than three hours before being removed. Shortly afterward, park officials announced new restrictions on large flags and notified Joslin of their termination and a potential criminal investigation.
Seeking Reinstatement
Joslin, who had worked at Yosemite since 2021 and received positive performance reviews, is seeking reinstatement. Advocacy group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility has supported the case, noting climbers have historically displayed messages on El Capitan without punishment.
The National Park Service has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.