A team of climbers raised a large Transgender Pride flag on El Capitan this week in Yosemite National Park on May 20, 2025. The group said the display was a message of support for transgender people and a reminder that they are part of every community, including the outdoors.
The flag, measuring 55 by 35 feet, was lowered from the face of the iconic granite cliff. The effort was organized by the Transcendence Coalition, a group made up of transgender, queer, and allied climbers. They planned the demonstration to respond to growing concerns about policies and laws across the United States that affect transgender rights, especially those involving healthcare, education, and public access.
One of the climbers involved may be a familiar face to some in the LGBTQ+ outdoor community. Drag queen and environmental advocate Pattie Gonia was part of the group and shared the experience in a video posted to social media. In the video, she said, “Some carry hate; we carry the largest trans pride flag to ever be flown in a national park.” She added that the group unfurled the flag on El Capitan “to prove a point: that trans is natural.”
Climbers spent several days on the wall to complete the ascent. They followed safety guidelines and worked with conservation experts to make sure the display would not harm the rock or the surrounding area. The group removed the flag shortly after the event to comply with Leave No Trace principles.
Park officials later confirmed that they also helped take down the flag. They said the display did not cause damage or interfere with other visitors. The National Park Service allows peaceful demonstrations in public spaces as long as they follow environmental rules and permit guidelines.
Organizers said they hope the act sends a clear message to transgender people, especially youth, that they belong in public spaces and deserve to be seen.
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