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Marni von Wilpert, the Democratic congressional contender seeking California’s 48th District seat, scheduled a fundraising event Thursday evening at the Gossip Grill, a San Diego establishment recognized for adult-oriented branding and LGBTQ nightlife programming. The restaurant and nightclub features provocatively themed promotions including “Fi—r me Fridays,” “Girls, Gays and Theys Sundays” and “Cabaret Drag Brunch Pride Extravaganza,” along with menu items bearing titles such as “Foreplay” and “happy ending.”
The fundraiser reflects von Wilpert’s visible alignment with LGBTQ advocacy, a position she has emphasized throughout her campaign since disclosing her bisexuality several years ago. Her campaign website identifies “LGBTQ+ Rights” as a principal platform alongside immigration reform and corporate wage standards, pledging to advance federal protections through legislation like the Equality Act.
Republican critics seized on the venue choice as emblematic of what they characterize as misplaced priorities. Christian Martinez, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, told Fox News Digital that von Wilpert’s “perverted agenda pushes hormone treatments on kids, shuts parents out and puts sexual content in front of young children,” arguing such positions belong outside electoral politics.
Von Wilpert’s LGBTQ advocacy work spans her tenure on the San Diego City Council, where she championed efforts to restore gender and orientation-related materials to public library shelves after an activist removed them in 2023. She subsequently led initiatives to expand Pride displays across 36 San Diego libraries, drawing endorsements from national organizations including Equality California, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign.
Von Wilpert did not respond to requests for comment regarding her selection of the venue or whether she deemed its themes appropriate for a congressional campaign.
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