Queery: Freddie Lutz

Freddie Lutz (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Several people commented that the Capital Pride parade felt a bit flat this year.

With no float from Freddie’s Beach Bar, the only gay bar/restaurant in Northern Virginia, something seemed off. Owner Freddie Lutz, whose elaborate floats won first place awards several years, says he just needed a break.

“We decided to let someone else have a chance to win,” he says. “Last year’s was so spectacular it was kind of hard to top, but it’s also a lot of work. I got many, many comments from people who said we were a noticeable absence.”

Lutz opened Freddie’s nine years ago. He’d been in the restaurant business for 25 years but comments he got from a mini tiki bar he set up on the beach at Rehoboth inspired him to bring the concept to his native Arlington.

Lutz, 59, and his partner, Johnny Cervantes, have been together 13 years. They’re engaged and would like to wed in Virginia but say the wait is getting a bit long.

The bar is decorated with the Barbie dolls — many aping celebs — that Lutz has been collecting “since I was a little girl.” He’s at the bar most days but likes to get away to Rehoboth Beach as often as he can.

An art school graduate, Lutz enjoys decorating and design in his spare time. And he occasionally joins the Freddie’s Follies drag queens.

“I do have a drag closet,” Lutz admits. “About two Prides ago, they made me do Christina Aguilera. I think I looked more like Phyllis Diller, though.”

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Seems like my whole life. I don’t know. My Dad I guess.

Who’s your gay hero?
Liberace

What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Freddie’s Beach Bar, of course!

What’s your dream gay wedding?
Something at the beach.

What non-gay issue are you most passionate about?
Freddie’s Beach Bar (LOL)

What historical outcome would you change?
The vote on gay marriage in Virginia.

What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Meeting Andy Warhol.

On what do you insist?
Perfection

What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
High school get-together

If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“I Am What I Am”

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Stay just as I am.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
God

What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Listen to the youth. They are the ones who will guide us into the future.

What would you walk across hot coals for?
Tom Cruise

What gay stereotype annoys you most?
Conceited/stuck-up types

What’s your favorite gay movie?
“Sordid Lives”

What’s the most overrated social custom?
Well, I’m kind of old fashioned. I believe in thank you notes and all that, but I don’t like it when people act like it’s something that should be expected. They have a fit if they don’t get one. That’s not the right spirit.

What trophy or prize do you most covet?
Capitol Pride Hero

What do you wish you’d known at 18?
How to apply make-up (and I still don’t know how … thank God for Blair Michaels!)

Why Washington?
I grew up here and love the area.