PHILADELPHIA, PA — After three decades of towering wigs, razor-sharp wit and unstoppable community spirit, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved drag icons is preparing to take her final bow.
Carlota Ttendant — the larger-than-life alter ego of Michael Byrne — will retire this June following GayBINGO!’s 30th anniversary season. The announcement closes a remarkable chapter for an event that began in 1996 as a grassroots fundraiser during the height of the AIDS crisis and grew into one of the nation’s most recognizable HIV benefit traditions.
What started at the Gershman Y as a monthly fundraiser quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Blending camp, satire and fierce activism, GayBINGO! sold out in minutes, drew national media attention and raised millions of dollars to support people living with HIV.
“Carlota is retiring after three decades,” Byrne said. “Volunteerism is such a huge part of my life. I’ve loved hosting GayBINGO! and tried to make it look easy but all this fabulousness is not as easy as it looks. After 30 years in these heels, it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation.”
Behind the irreverent humor was something deeper. In the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, GayBINGO! became both a release valve and a lifeline for a grieving community.
“There were nights filled with laughter followed by tears, and then we had to keep going,” Byrne reflected. “For whoever becomes the next host: be fun, and have fun.”
Action Wellness, which now produces the event, will honor Carlota with a Pride Month farewell celebration on June 13.
“Michael Byrne is a true leader of his generation,” said Action Wellness Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “While Carlota Ttendant will be greatly missed at GayBINGO, Michael will undoubtedly remain a powerful force for good in the community.”
GayBINGO! will continue into the 2026–2027 season, with plans for a new host to be announced later this year.
Event Details
- What: Final GayBINGO! Season Featuring Carlota Ttendant
- When: March 14, April 11, May 9, and Farewell Celebration June 13, 2026 (Doors 6:00 p.m.; Bingo 7:00 p.m.)
- Where: Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: $50 online; $60 at the door
- More Info: https://actionwellness.org/special-events/ | 215-981-3323
As Carlota counts down her final performances, Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community prepares to celebrate not just a character, but a legacy — one built on laughter, resilience and a steadfast commitment to fighting HIV for 30 unforgettable years.
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