ARLINGTON, Va. — Freddie Lutz says he plans to host a big party next month to help stand against hate following a recent incident he faced.
The owner of the popular LBGTQ bar Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Arlington is preparing to throw a "Lovefest" party on May 4 to promote peace and love but to also show support for the gay community.
It’s in response to the three bomb threats Lutz received in one day last Saturday: two against his bars in Arlington and Rehoboth Beach and one against him.
“They're trying to scare us and intimidate us, and I just don't think as a community we can allow that to happen,” Lutz told WUSA9. “It emboldens me to just carry on.”
The first threat arrived via email within the hour before Freddie’s was set to hold its first drag storybook hour with drag queen Tara Hoot in the Arlington location. The staff moved all of the attendees, including children, to the back parking lot while investigators combed the bar with bomb-sniffing dogs.
Despite what happened, everyone returned to watch the performance. Aside from a similar threat against his other bar, Lutz received an email that night threatening to kill him over the drag performance.
“If there are other families who feel it's okay to be exposed to a drag queen then I think it's up to the parents,” Lutz said. “We're not out to get your children and don't come after our children either. I'm honestly sad about the condition of the entire world right now.”
The bar has faced little trouble, if any, and garnered widespread support since opening more than 20 years ago.
Arlington County Police are working with the FBI to investigate the threats. A spokesperson said the department will continue to have more patrols monitor the area.
On Tuesday, Arlington County and the County Board affirmed their support for the LGBTQ+ community and applauded ACPD, for the officers' response to protect patrons and staff, and the fortitude of Freddie's and the performer Drag Queen Tara Hoot.
"With protests, threats, and violence targeting the LGBTQ+ community – and drag shows in particular – on the rise across the country, expressions of hatred and bigotry have absolutely no place in our community, and the Arlington County Board condemns these threats of violence and attempted intimidation of our community," officials said in a press release Tuesday. "Freddie’s represents the very best of Arlington’s values as an establishment that prides itself on creating a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies by centering love over hate, understanding over unacceptance, and empathy over bigotry."
There were more than 150 incidents of anti-LGBTQ protests and threats targeting drag events since early 2022, according to a report last year by GLAAD.
One of the more prominent cases happened in Montgomery County when members of Proud Boys showed up to protest a drag event.