Huge flag hung from Yosemite’s El Capitan ‘to make a statement’

YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – What’s described as the largest flag ever displayed on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park was also an act of solidarity and resistance.

Those behind the project “Trans is Natural” confirmed with YourCentralValley on Wednesday that hanging a 66-foot by 35-foot transgender pride flag across the monumental El Capitan was more than just setting a record.

“We flew the Trans pride flag in Yosemite to make a statement: Trans people are natural and Trans people are loved. Let this flag fly higher than hate. We are done being polite about Trans people’s existence. Call it a protest, call it a celebration – either way, it’s giving elevation to liberation,” said Pattie Gonia, a lead organizer and environmentalist.

Trans is Natural celebrates the belonging of transgender people in every environment and community. Officials add the project came following the Trump administration’s efforts “to erase trans people from government websites, education systems, libraries and discriminate against queer and trans park rangers in the National Park System.”

The project was intended to show the public that transgender individuals are people too.

“Trans existence is not up for debate. We are social workers, public servants, parents, and neighbors. Being trans is a natural, beautiful part of human and biological diversity. We can only make progress when we embrace diversity, not erase it,” said SJ Joslin, a lead organizer and conservation professional. 

In response to this event, Yosemite National Park released the following statement:

The National Park Service is aware of the unauthorized display that occurred at Yosemite National Park.  The NPS does not endorse such actions, and the flag was removed as soon as possible. The National Park Service is conducting an inquiry into the facts and circumstances around this event. We take the protection of our national parks seriously and will not tolerate behavior that undermines their integrity.
Yosemite National Park

Organizers say Trans is Natural solidifies that trans existence is indisputable, allowing the flag to serve as a beacon for all who have been ostracized to remind them that allies will always show up and amplify their voices.