rights
Judge dismisses lawsuit filed by nonbinary ranger fired for trans flag. They're not done fighting.
By Faefyx Collington at LGBTQ Nation
· June 16, 2026
· 6 min read
The nonbinary ranger who was fired for displaying a large trans flag at Yosemite National Park last year has had their lawsuit against the federal government dismissed by a judge. The dismissal came not on the merits of the case, but on a technicality, which requires them to wait on a response from
Key takeaway SJ Joslin told the New York Times that this “isn’t a ‘win’ for the federal government.
Why this matters
The dismissal of the nonbinary ranger's lawsuit highlights the complexities of navigating federal employment laws and the protections they afford to LGBTQ+ individuals. The case centers on the display of a trans flag at Yosemite National Park, which the ranger argued was an exercise of their First Amendment rights. However, the judge's ruling emphasizes the need for the ranger to exhaust administrative remedies through the Office of the Special Counsel before seeking judicial relief. This technicality may delay the pursuit of justice, but it also underscores the importance of following established procedures in federal employment cases. As the ranger awaits a response from the Office of the Special Counsel, the LGBTQ+ community will be watching to see how this case unfolds and whether it sets a precedent for the protection of free speech rights for federal employees. The outcome of this case may have implications for LGBTQ+ individuals working in national parks and other federal agencies.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The nonbinary ranger who was fired for displaying a large trans flag at Yosemite National Park last year has had their lawsuit against the federal government dismissed by a judge. The dismissal came not on the merits of the case, but on a technicality, which requires them to wait on a response from
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Faefyx Collington at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .