On May 20, a newly formed coalition of rock climbers took a radical step. They lowered a huge 55-by-35-foot transgender pride flag from El Capitan, one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic features. The incident happened at about 10 a.m. PT during Yosemite’s yearly “Firefall” festivities. It underscored how important the place and the story it’s telling is.
El Capitan, known for towering more than 3,000 vertical feet above the valley floor, gained international fame as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo.” The movie documents climber Alex Honnold’s jaw-dropping free solo ascent of the granite monolith. It’s a testament to our human tenacity and it’s a beautiful love letter that reveals the breathtaking beauty of nature. The recent display of the Trans Pride flag adds another layer to El Capitan’s storied history, connecting activism with the stunning landscape.
A Statement of Love and Acceptance
Pattie Gonia, the drag persona of LGBTQIA+ and environmental activist Wyn Wiley, was instrumental to this protest’s success. As a result, Gonia co-founded the nonprofit Outdoorist Oath and created the Queer Outdoor and Environmental Job Board. He is a fierce advocate for education and LGBTQIA+ allyship within outdoor spaces.
“We flew the Trans Pride flag in Yosemite to make a statement: Trans people are natural and trans people are loved,” Gonia stated, emphasizing the significance of visibility in natural environments.
The flag went full-flag from the cliff for around an hour and a half. Nonetheless, it became a beacon of the protest and then the celebration, until it was taken down. Gonia further remarked, “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.”
A History of Activism at El Capitan
El Capitan has a history of being a hub for different types of activism. In protest of the decision in February 2020, protesters climbed the monolith and hung an upside-down American flag from it. They were protesting against workforce reductions implemented by then-president Donald Trump’s administration. This history reminds us that El Capitan has been more than an extraordinary display of nature’s artistry, but a stage for social justice.
Activists are using the majestic, well-known imagery of Yosemite to magnify their campaigns. This year’s showing of the Trans Pride flag had everything to do with this remarkable tradition. Today, the celebration of nature and the marriage of activism found deep resonance with supporters of LGBTQIA+ rights.
Recognition and Impact
Pattie Gonia’s work has garnered significant recognition, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders in 2024 and one of National Geographic’s 33 Changemakers. These awards all celebrate individual accomplishment. Beyond their use of bold colors, shapes, and designs, they signify a growing artistic recognition that inclusivity in outdoor spaces matters.
Though Yosemite still hosts events like Dēmos’ that honor both nature and diversity, the effect of such demonstrations is just as powerful today. Features like the Trans Pride flag increase visibility and help raise crucial conversations. They build acceptance and love in outdoor-adventuring communities.
Leave a Reply