Oceanside bar overcomes pandemic hurdles to serve up safe space for LGBTQ community

An Oceanside bar battled through the shutdowns of the pandemic to eventually open an establishment that provides a safe space for the LGBTQ community.
Gina Wuestmann has been in the bar business for nearly 30 years. Wuestmann, along with her husband, opened Born This Way in November 2020 after being forced to delay because of the pandemic.
"We were in the middle of construction, actually one month away from opening, when all the shutdowns occurred, but we decided as soon as we were ready to open, we were gonna open and do our best to stay afloat," says Gina Wuestmann.
The Wuestmann's say the bar provides a safe space to do something different that an underserved community would enjoy.
Born This Way has seen business increase as the restrictions have been lifted.
"We're starting to see more and more couples come in telling us they are fully vaccinated, this is the first time I've been out in 14 months, and they wanted to come to this particular place...that does my heart good.
The Wuestmann's say people have been thanking them for doing good in the community.
The LGBTQ community is glad they have a place to call their own but be open to everyone.