RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesMarni von Wilpert, a Democratic candidate for Congress in California’s 48th Congressional District, is holding a fundraiser at a venue known for sexually suggestive branding and LGBTQ nightlife on Thursday evening.
The San Diego restaurant and nightclub, called the Gossip Grill, offers a series of adult-themed specials and events such as "Fi---r me Fridays," "Girls, Gays and Theys Sundays" and "Cabaret Drag Brunch Pride Extravaganza."
It also offers menu items like the "Foreplay" and the "happy ending."
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The upcoming event underscores Wilpert’s connection to the LGBTQ community and the attention she’s given the issue during her congressional campaign since she came out as bisexual a few years ago.
To one Republican observer, it’s a set of priorities that places an undue emphasis on sexuality.
"Out of touch Marni von Wilpert found the perfect headquarters for her radical campaign," Christian Martinez, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
"Her perverted agenda pushes hormone treatments on kids, shuts parents out and puts sexual content in front of young children. That dangerous agenda belongs in a nightclub, not Congress ."
Wilpert lists " LGBTQ+ Rights " among her top priorities on her campaign website — alongside other priorities like restructuring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and penalties for companies with low wages.
On her website, she commits to making the topic a legislative focus at the federal level.
"In Congress, she will work to pass the Equality Act so the protections that Californians enjoy are guaranteed nationwide. She will face the attacks head-on, from bans on gender-affirming care to efforts to silence LGBTQ+ students in our schools," the website reads.
In the past, Wilpert has helped spearhead efforts to keep Pride-related materials in San Diego public libraries.
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After an activist removed almost every gender-orientation-related book from a library in Rancho Peñasquitos in 2023, threatening to keep them until the county took down a Pride display , Wilpert led the charge to replace the books. Wilpert, then a city council member, also pressed to expand Pride displays in 36 San Diego public libraries.
"I’m frankly shocked by this because eliminating LGBTQ content from libraries is what you might expect in Mississippi, but never here in San Diego," she told The San Diego Tribune.
"Denying others the right to read LGBTQ-affirming books is just another way of telling LGBTQ people they don’t belong — and that’s dead wrong. Everyone has the right to read what they want, but absolutely no one has the right to keep others from reading books that reflect their experiences and backgrounds."
Her work with the library has attracted support in her congressional bid from groups like Equality California, which cited it as a basis of their endorsement.
"Throughout her career, Marni has been a champion for the LGBTQ+ community and the diverse communities that make up CA-48. As an out LGBTQ+ elected leader, her record on the San Diego City Council includes defending access to inclusive library resources and standing up to censorship and bigotry," the group said.
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She has also attracted endorsements from Equality PAC, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign — all LGBTQ-aligned networks.
When approached about the fundraiser, a spokesperson for the campaign said that Wilpert is focused on larger issues.
"Jim Desmond is worried about gay bar theme nights – Marni von Wilpert is worried about how to bring the cost of living down for everyday Americans. That pretty much sums up the choice in this race," Dan Rottenstreich, a spokesperson for the campaign said in a statement, referring to Wilpert's Republican opponent.
Their response did not address her choice of venue or whether she thought the themes at the establishment were appropriate for a congressional campaign.
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