On May 20, a coalition of LGBTQIA+ activists, including rock climbers and allies, hung a large 55-by-35-foot Transgender Pride flag from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This demonstration, organized by the group Trans is Natural and led by drag queen and activist Pattie Gonia (Wyn Wiley), aimed to assert the naturalness and love for transgender people. Gonia emphasized that the flag was a statement of defiance against hate, blending protest with celebration to elevate the visibility of transgender individuals.
The flag, which was unfurled around 10 a.m. PT, flew for approximately 90 minutes before it was removed by National Park Service officials around 11:30 a.m. PT. The actions of this coalition resonate particularly in light of a previous protest at the same site where an upside-down American flag was displayed in February, protesting federal job cuts.
El Capitan, renowned for its breathtaking height of over 3,000 feet and its feature in the documentary “Free Solo,” served as a highly symbolic backdrop for their message. Gonia is noted not only for this event but also as a co-founder of the Outdoorist Oath, a nonprofit advocating for LGBTQIA+ allyship in environmental initiatives. Recognized for her activism, Gonia has received accolades, including being named one of TIME’s Next Generation Leaders and one of National Geographic’s 33 Changemakers in 2024.
This event underscores the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and visibility, highlighting both the natural presence of transgender individuals and the urgent need for societal acceptance and love.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
