Dr. Shannon “SJ” Joslin previously worked as a bat biologist at Yosemite National Park. In May 2025, they hung a large transgender pride flag from El Capitan and were later fired. Now, they are suing the federal government.
Joslin, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, lost their job with the National Park Service after displaying the 55-by-35-foot transgender pride flag from El Capitan in May 2025.
The flag was up for less than three hours. Joslin says they were off duty at the time and intended to send a message of support — that transgender and nonbinary people are welcome and safe.
However, a few months later, in August 2025, Joslin was terminated. Officials stated that they had “failed to demonstrate acceptable conduct.”
Joslin has since filed a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior and other officials, including members of former President Donald Trump’s administration. They argue that their dismissal violated their First Amendment rights.
“Constitutional rights are necessary and guaranteed for every person in the United States… I won’t sit back and accept the failing of American democracy… this lawsuit is my way of giving voice to and fighting for all federal, trans, and human rights in the United States,” Joslin told SFGATE after filing the lawsuit on Monday.
Shannon Joslin was fired after hanging a trans flag in Yosemite – sues
Their attorney, Joanna Citron Day, also spoke in their defense, stating:
“This administration is targeting Dr. Joslin because it wants to silence people through fear. Dr. Joslin exercised their First Amendment rights and is being punished to send a clear message — speech the administration disagrees with will not be tolerated. Dr. Joslin was unlawfully fired and should be reinstated immediately.”
The lawsuit seeks reinstatement to Joslin’s position and at least $1,000 in damages. Park officials have said they take demonstration rules seriously but have not commented directly on the legal case.
The outcome of the case may determine whether Joslin’s protest qualifies as protected free speech or a dismissible offense. Only time will tell how it will unfold.
What are your thoughts on the decision to fire Dr. Joslin? Share your opinion in the comments on Facebook.
