Philadelphia, PA – Action Wellness today announced the retirement of a Philadelphia and national icon after three decades of extraordinary service to people living with HIV. Following the conclusion of GayBINGO!’s 30th anniversary season, longtime host Michael Byrne will officially retire his legendary drag alter ego, Carlota Ttendant, bringing to a close his role in one of the most successful and beloved fundraisers in the region and nation. Through the larger-than-life presence of Carlota Ttendant, Byrne helped transform GayBINGO! into a cultural phenomenon featured on television, in print, and across national media, raising millions of dollars in support of HIV services while blending sharp wit, camp and community-driven activism. What began as a local fundraiser grew into a nationally recognized event, widely celebrated for its impact, inclusivity, and unmistakable Philly spirit. Byrne will count down to Carlota’s retirement by hosting four of the final five GayBINGO! events of the season on March 14, April 11 and May 9, and culminating in a giant farewell celebration at Rainbow Bombshell GayBINGO! on June 13, 2026. GayBINGO! will continue into the 2026–2027 season, with future plans and information about the next host to be announced later this year.
“Michael Byrne is a true leader of his generation, and his dedication to supporting people with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond GayBINGO,” said Action Wellness Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “His years of service and unwavering commitment inspire us all. While Carlota Ttendant will be greatly missed at GayBINGO, Michael will undoubtedly remain a powerful force for good in the community. Thank you, Michael, for everything you’ve done and for all that you keep doing!”
“When Action Wellness took over operating the event in January 2025, Carlota was so gracious, enthusiastic and supportive of the change,” said Action Wellness Development Manager Kevin Vuernick. “She could have easily walked away instead of helping navigate the change alongside us. We can’t thank her enough for helping make the event what it is – she truly has been a staple of GayBINGO! and will be so missed! We wish her nothing but peace, love, and joy in her retirement…but also would be happy to have her make any guest appearances if she so chose!”
A LEGENDARY HISTORY
GayBINGO! began in 1996 at the Gershman Y as a local monthly fundraiser for AIDS Fund. The event quickly became known for its sharp banter between Carlota Ttendant and longtime co-host Chumley Singer, while the iconic Bingo Verifying Divas (BVDs) zipped across the floor on rollerblades. Cash prizes, guest bingo callers, irreverent humor and heartfelt purpose defined the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Beloved traditions emerged, such as standing anytime O-69 was called, groaning dramatically and pounding fists on tables at B-7 and playfully calling out audience members for not participating fast enough – all in good fun for a critically important cause.
GayBINGO! soon became an instant sensation, with tickets routinely selling out at “jaw-dropping speed” (per Byrne) within five to ten minutes of release. Demand led to second seatings, expanded programming and national media attention, including the cover of the Entertainment Section of USA Today, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and every major Philadelphia news outlet, as well as a special documentary film titled Gay Bingo produced by Glenn Holsten which aired on WHYY in 2000.
From early grassroots beginnings to sold-out shows, national press interviews and even collaborations with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Michael Byrne was there from the start, anchoring the event with heart, humor and purpose.
As Carlota, Byrne famously strode onstage in dazzling outfits declaring, “I am your hostess, Carlota Ttendant, I want you to park it all night, and leave your keys!” Together with Chumley Singer, the duo would proclaim that bingo was “just a stupid game” but that the game would continue as long as the need remained. Thirty years later, millions have been raised, and the work continues.
GayBINGO! was originally produced by AIDS Fund before transitioning to Action Wellness in late 2024. Under Action Wellness’ stewardship, and with Carlota still at the helm, the traditions of GayBINGO! and Black-Tie GayBINGO! continue to thrive.
WHY NOW
“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.”
“This journey has been joyful, exhausting, heartbreaking and extraordinary,” Byrne continued. “We lost close friends and chosen family to HIV/AIDS in the early years. I want to thank Chumley and the team, it was such an amazing group effort to get it started and keep it going. We had so much fun and brought the laughs, but we also lost many close to us. It was a competition of emotions as people were working so hard as volunteers, like their lives depending on it, because lives truly were at stake. There were times we would be having so much fun on that stage and then we would be crying. We then had to pick up and keep going – keep laughing – because if we didn’t we would have lost our minds.”
“It was a much different time and there weren’t the drugs and treatments we have today. On the outside and in the news it became this over-the-top, irreverent night of fun ‘not your grandma’s bingo game’, but behind the scenes and in that room it was a fragile balance. There were nights filled with laughter followed by tears, and then we had to keep going. For whoever becomes the next host: be fun, and have fun.”
GRATITUDE
Byrne extends heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers, staff, performers and community members who helped build GayBINGO! over the past 30 years, including:
* Key “founding” volunteers and staff – Rebecca Baranowski, Robin Bentley, Angelo Brezi, Carol Brezi, Rich Bruno, Chip Capelli, Dawna Edwards, Peter Dunn, Steve Duross, Larry Felzer, Charlene Goodnow, Tom Gouker, Gilbert Kalt, Linda Kligman, Jen Leary, Marion Leary, Dewey Lowrie, Beth Medoway, Bob Platt, Jose Rivera, Mark “Chumley” Singer, Stephanie Thaw, Sandra Thompson, Patrick Thumudo, Scott Udell, Linda White, Eric Wichner
* BVD’s and hosts – Sakura Allure, Ophelia Balzac, Rhonda Block, Selma Boddie, Shelita Buffet, Summer Clear-ance, Safonda Cox, Corvus Crawley, DAN!, Blanche DeBris, Fanci Dismount, Amanda Dressup, Stella D’Oro, Ava Gina, Helena Handbasket, Eileen Ifell, Goldie Jawn, Shonda Lewinski, Messapotamia Lefae, Anita Manhattan, Beneatha Mann, Maddy Milan, Penny Nickles, Thunder Showers, Izzy Single, Ida Slapter, Anita Stuffing, Ima Tease, Tess Tickle, Ivana Tinkle, CeeCee Wells, Carrie Wonderwood, Drift Wood, Fyre Wood, Holly Wood
FINAL PERFORMANCES FOR CARLOTA
Between now and June, audiences have four more chances to see Carlota shine:
* Boogie Wonderland GayBINGO!
March 14, 2026
Chase your vinyl dreams!
* Sitcom Moms GayBINGO!
April 11, 2026
Don’t change the channel, our favorite ladies are on!
* Happy 30th Birthday GayBINGO!
May 9, 2026
We’re taking it back to 1996 to celebrate 30 years of GayBINGO!
* Rainbow Bombshell GayBINGO!
June 13, 2026
Close the curtain on our 30th season with a Pride celebration and a show-stopping surprise as a huge farewell party and celebration for Carlota.
“The entire Action Wellness family looks forward to celebrating Carlota’s legacy with a grand Pride finale,” Torres added. “We hope everyone will save the date and join us for this unforgettable farewell.”
GENERAL INFORMATION
GayBINGO! is held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and doors open each month at 6:00pm. Bingo starts at 7:00pm with an over-the-top performance by the Bingo Verifying Divas (BVDs), followed by Carlota Ttendant and Stella D’oro making their grand entrance. Tickets are $50each online and available at actionwellness.org/special-events/ and $60 at the door. Table sponsorships and group packages are available by calling 215-981-3323 or emailing devteam@actionwellness.org
WHAT’S NEXT
GayBINGO! will return for the 2026-2027 season in September of 2026 and Black-Tie GayBINGO! will return on October 3, 2026 – stay tuned for updates and announcements about future plans.
ABOUT ACTION WELLNESS
Action Wellness works to enhance the lives of persons with HIV and those at high risk of acquiring HIV by providing a range of trauma-informed social services to help clients maintain their physical, emotional and economic well-being. Services include: medical case management, perinatal care, prison outreach programs, housing and Buddy services.
The agency serves over 2000 clients and their families annually through the dedicated efforts of over 150 volunteers and 80 professional staff. Services are provided at five office locations in the city of Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware County. Programs are open to all people regardless of their ability to pay.