After three decades of fundraising, performance and community impact, Michael Byrne's drag persona, Carlotta Tendant, is retiring from the stage.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 10:31PMAfter three decades of fundraising, performance and community impact, Michael Byrne's drag persona, Carlotta Tendant, is retiring from the stage. Byrne, who helped turn Gay Bingo into a nationally recognized cultural event, has spent 30 years raising millions of dollars for people living with HIV in Philadelphia.
When asked whether he imagined such success, he responded, "No, I really didn't. I also really didn't think Carlotta would take off and have all these other opportunities come up for me and for bingo." Carlotta Tendant was born in the 1990s, when Byrne was asked to emcee a fundraiser for his theater company in drag.The event quickly became a major fundraiser, with Carlotta at the center of an effort that has generated millions for HIV services. "It was also a point of time where our chosen families and our community was dying," Byrne said. "Being able to have an impact on funds being raised to help what was happening to my community was huge." Gay Bingo has since become a beloved Philadelphia tradition, blending entertainment with advocacy and support for those affected by HIV. Byrne will host his final Gay Bingo event in June during Pride Month, marking the end of an era for one of the city's most recognizable fundraising icons.
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