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Adorned with gay flags and pink trim, Freddie's Beach Bar & Grill attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community, families with children, and people of all races, religions, and colors.
"We do karaoke, brunch, and we have drag shows," Lutz, 73, told Daily Voice. "It's kind of like the gay 'Cheers.'"
On Saturday, April 7, two things happened for the first time at Freddie's:
The first, Drag Show Storybook Hour, an event where drag queens read books to children. The second, a bomb threat, which came in just before the event was set to begin, Lutz said.
"We’ve been fighting for gay rights since Stonewall and before," Lutz said. "We’ve probably slipped back 60 years on gay rights. We’re just losing our rights and I think we let our guard down — we need to fight back and stand up for our rights."
And Lutz is walking the walk: Freddie's will be hosting its second Drag Show Storybook Hour on Saturday, May 4, at noon. Lutz's hopes are that this next event turns into a "love fest."
"I'm making it a throwback to the 60s," he said. "I'm encouraging everyone to dress up like hippies with love and peace, and let the sunshine in. Hopefully, we'll have a line down the block."
All proceeds will go toward an LGBTQ+ organization.
Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St S., Arlington.
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