Drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia spoke with nonbinary Yosemite National Park ranger Shannon "SJ" Johnson, who was recently fired for hanging a transgender pride flag from "El Capitan". For those who aren't familiar, this is a 3,000 foot (914.4 meters for non-Americans) tall granite monolith located in the park. Pattie was one of several people who helped Johnson hang the flag; two other park officials are currently "on administrative leave."
Per Johnson:
"I didn't break any rules. I flew the flag in my free time, out of uniform, and I only flew it for two hours."
Johnson packed up the flag afterwards and took it with them because their credo is to "leave no trace." For reference, the flag Johnson flew was one ten thousandths (0.0001%) the size of the monolith. What's more, hundreds of flags have been flown in national parks; Johnson is the only person currently facing prosecution for a law that was passed after they'd already hung the flag.
ONTD, take the time today to not only show love for the trans people in your life, but to stick up for them. Reach out to them. Look for ways to help the trans community if you are able to.
Sources: 1, 2
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