Following last month’s bomb threat, a family-oriented drag brunch is returning to Crystal City tomorrow (Saturday).
Freddie’s Beach Bar owner Freddie Lutz hopes to make it one for the books.
“My intention is to kind of have a line around the block, just to show support,” said Lutz, who has spent the past month contacting gay bar owners and LGBTQ+ organizations around the D.C. area to drum up a crowd at 555 23rd St. S.
Attendees at the restaurant’s last “Family Fun Story Time Brunch” were ushered into a rear parking lot after the venue received an email threatening the performance and Lutz’s home. After police and a bomb-sniffing dog conducted a sweep of the building, a handful of protesters remained outside as the gathering of local families returned to enjoy children’s songs, stories and bubbles with drag queen Tara Hoot.
This time, the Arlington County Police Department said it is in contact with the restaurant’s management and will be conducting extra checks in the area. Lutz is also summoning aid from the Rainbow Defense Coalition, which will use rainbow umbrellas to shield attendees from any protesters.
Lutz doesn’t want a showdown with naysayers, though. Instead, an event flier advertises a “Love Fest” theme and encourages people to don “your favorite rainbow/hippie outfit” and show up for the 11 a.m. brunch with homemade signs for support.
“I’m hoping the numbers will outshine anybody who might show,” Lutz said.
Lutz told ARLnow last month that “we weren’t super surprised” to receive the threat. Hoot has been through numerous incidents like this before, including during a performance last December in Takoma Park.
“I’ve lost count,” Hoot said at the time, referring to the threats. “It makes me sad that I’ve lost count. No one should lose count of the bomb threats they are getting.”
Videos Lutz shared with ARLnow showed kids and parents twirling rainbow streamers while Hoot sang, danced and used bubble gun toys. The restaurant owner plans for similar family-friendly fun tomorrow — this time, with a crowd of supporters.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit LGBTQIA+ charities, according to a flyer for the event.
“I’m hoping it’s going to be a positive Love Fest,” he said.
