Among the climbers who helped hang the transgender flag was Pattie Gonia, an environmentalist and drag queen who uses the performance art to raise awareness of conservation issues. For the past five years, Gonia has helped throw a Pride event in Yosemite for park employees.

Shannon Joslin, a former biologist and wildlife conservationist for Yosemite National Park, was fired on Aug. 12 after they rigged a massive trans-pride flag over El Capitan.