Dr. Shannon “SJ” Joslin once worked as a bat biologist at Yosemite National Park. She hung a large transgender pride flag from El Capitán in May 2025 and was fired. Now, they are suing the federal government.
Joslin, who is nonbinary and goes by they/them pronouns, was fired from their job with the National Park Service after hanging a large transgender pride flag from El Capitan in May 2025.
The 55-by-35-foot flag was displayed for less than three hours. Joslin says they were off duty at the time and wanted to send a message of support. They said the message was that transgender and nonbinary people are welcome and safe.
But a few months later, in August 2025, Joslin was fired. Officials said they had “failed to demonstrate acceptable conduct.”
Now, Joslin has filed a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior and other officials, including members of former President Donald Trump’s administration. They claim their firing 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 lawyer, Joanna Citron Day, also defended them, saying:
“This administration is targeting Dr. Joslin because it wants to scare people into silence. Dr. Joslin exercised their First Amendment rights and is being punished to send a clear message — speech the administration doesn’t like will not be tolerated. Dr. Joslin was illegally fired and should be reinstated immediately.”
The lawsuit asks for Joslin’s job back and at least $1,000 in damages. Park officials say they take rules about demonstrations seriously but have not commented directly on the lawsuit.
Now, the case could decide whether Joslin’s protest was protected free speech or a fireable offense. Time will tell whether it will go in her favor.
What do you think of the decision to fire Dr. Joslin? Please share your thoughts in the comment section on Facebook.
READ MORE
- Parents slam high school’s gender-neutral bathroom
- Trans athlete hits back at critics after winning track and field championship again
