By Roland Li, Staff Writer Feb 21, 2026
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Dressed as invertebrates, protesters from the artist-activist group No Joke urge governor candidates Saturday to “grow a spine” during the 2026 California Democratic Party Convention at Moscone Center.Erik Castro/For the S.F. Chronicle
Around 100 protesters marched outside the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco on Saturday, urging politicians to stand up to the Trump administration to protect health care, transgender rights and other causes.
The march was one of two protests Saturday targeting California’s Democrats, who are meeting at Moscone Center through Sunday in an effort to advance the party’s goals, showcase candidates for upcoming elections, and strategize challenges to President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“When trans kids are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back,” attendees chanted, waving rainbow and trans flags.
They held signs reading “Your Laws Kill” and “Patients Before Politics.”
Protesters target California Democratic Convention in S.F.: ‘Grow a spine’
Protesters target the California Democratic Convention a Moscone Center in San Francisco.Erik Castro/For the S.F. Chronicle
The afternoon march was organized by progressive group Indivisible SF and LGBTQ nonprofit Rainbow Families. It wound its way through Yerba Buena Gardens, the pedestrian bridge next to Moscone Center and up Fourth Street.
Activist and Stud bar co-owner Honey Mahogany spoke at the event, calling on protesters to continue speaking out and uniting with other disenfranchised groups, including Black people.
“We thought this fight was over. We thought we had already done this, and yet the fight continues,” Mahogany said.
The march comes amid a crowded race to succeed termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Trump administration’s efforts to block gender-affirming care nationwide.
Marching protesters target California Democratic Convention in S.F.
Protesters target the California Democratic Convention a Moscone Center in San Francisco.Erik Castro/For the S.F. Chronicle
Separately, the No Joke arts collective sent around a dozen members to the event dressed up as various spineless invertebrates, including a slug and insects.
The effort was meant to “urge gubernatorial candidates to grow a spine and stand up for the rights of immigrant, trans, and working class Californians,” according to the group.
“Our next governor needs a spine,” one sign read.
Feb 21, 2026
Business Reporter
Roland Li covers commercial real estate for the business desk, focusing on the Bay Area office and retail sectors.
He was previously a reporter at San Francisco Business Times, where he won one award from the California News Publishers Association and three from the National Association of Real Estate Editors.
He is the author of “Good Luck Have Fun: The Rise of eSports,” a 2016 book on the history of the competitive video game industry. Before moving to the Bay Area in 2015, he studied and worked in New York. He freelanced for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other local publications. His hobbies include swimming and urban photography.
