10 Best Places to play Gender Bender Bingo in Australia
Gender Bender Bingo is the name given to Bingo institution in Australia. This pub entertainment Bingo institution was earlier known as Tranny Bingo. Daniel Floyd, aka Penny Tration, has been running his drag queen-hosted bingo night in pubs and clubs for more than a decade. While there are now many imitators, it was the first to move beyond the safety of Oxford Street, and now ten venues around Sydney hold the Tranny Bingo nights, including three ALH pubs.
In the year 2017 all venues received a letter from law firm Allens on behalf of their client, a transgender woman named Katherine Wolfgramme, to cease using the word ‘tranny’ on the basis that it is offensive to some transgender people. Wolfgramme and Floyd have known each other for over two decades, and the Bingo host said any legal intervention could have been avoided.
The event began back in 2000, and has grown steadily in popularity to count the ten regular venues, as well as the likes of corporate functions and P&O cruises. Over time the title became increasingly inappropriate, bringing about the sister brands Bingo with Balls and Blingo, which have been unable to even cross-promote each other. Floyd went through a similar battle with a far more aggressive complainant back in 2014, and while it was ruled he could continue, the warning signs were there.
Then in 2017 venues hosting the event began receiving complaint calls from a small but vocal group, before the demand came to stop using the word thus without causing any offense to anyone, around the name was changed to Gender bender Bingo. All the events of bingo are now be known under the Genderbender Bingo name, but still with the Bingo with Balls tagline.
10 Best Places to play Gender Bender Bingo in Australia
1. The Coopers Hotel
Location: 221 King Street, Newtown NSW
One of Newtown’s original pubs and best rooftop beer gardens the Coopers hotel Mondays kick off all the weekly fun with ‘Gender Bender Bingo’ – A savvy and sassy night with Oxford streets biggest drag queens, brought to you courtesy of Miss Penny Tration.
2. Stonewall Hotel
Location: 175 Oxford St. Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
Join at Stonewall for a Gender Bender Bingo every Tuesday at 7 30 pm hosted by Minnie Cooper.
3. The Office Hotel
Location: 299 Kent St Sydney NSW 2000
The Office located close to Wynyard station and King Street Wharf is the venue that can cater for all of your needs. Starting downstairs you will find a versatile large open planned area encasing a newly renovated TAB, intimate function room and an outside area suitable for groups of all sizes. There is extensive cocktail and beer selections and best of food to enjoy. Play Gender Bender Bingo on Saturdays here at the Office hotel.
4. Hop Scotch Bar
Location: 5 Lonsdale St Braddon ACT 2612
Hopscotch was opened in 2014, by Brian Smith and Nick Parkinson. Play Gender Bender Bingo three weeks on each month.
5. Balmain Hotel
Location: 74 Mullens St Balmain NSW 2041
The Balmain Hotel is the perfect destination for Bingo and is also offers a great pub where you can find yourself sipping on mouth-watering, passionately prepared cocktails. Enjoy Gender Bender Bingo every Wednesday Nights from 7 PM.
6. Young and Frisky
Location: Gungahlin Place West, 2912
Young & Frisky is the newest venue to hit Gungahlin Hibberson Street. Opening in early 2016, the bar brings a casual and fun dining vibe to the neighbourhood. Young & Frisky’s brings the best of Southern American food and exotic whiskeys from all over the world, right in the heart of Gungahlin! If you enjoy catching some live sport, live music, DJ’s, delicious plucking hot fried chicken, boutique beers, cocktails and whiskey, this is the place for you. Enjoy Gender Bender Bingo three weeks on each month.
7. Caring Bah Hotel
Location: 343 Port Hacking Rd Caringbah, NSW, 2229
Caringbah Hotel is located near the junction of Kingsway and President Avenue, within a short 10 minute drive from the Sutherland Hospital. Local sites and attractions include the Yowie Bay, Gymea Bay and Woolooware Bay, Burraneer and Kareena Parks along with local sports grounds – Captain Cook Oval, Solander Playing Fields and Port Hacking Rugby Field. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the family friendly environment which comes from a visit to the Caringbah Hotel. Enjoy Gender Bender Bingo onThursday Nights.
8. Potts Point Hotel
Location: 33-35 Darlinghurst Rd Potts Point NSW 2010
Potts Point Hotel is another local pub to enjoy classic meals, Bingo, comedy, Live Music & a gorgeous Rooftop Bar. Enjoy Gender Bender Bingo every Thursday Night from 8.30 pm.
Scary Canary
Location: 469 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Located just behind Town Hall it is an easily accesible location for any backpacker staying in the city. Enjoy Gender Bender Bingo every Thursday night.
Marrickvile Ritz
Location: 252-254 Illawarra Road Marrickville, NSW 2204
Located on the bustling Illawarra Road in the heart of Marrickville, The Ritz takes inspiration from its locale and offers an eclectic yet contemporary bar and casual dining experience for Inner West locals and Sydney-siders alike. Enjoy Gender Bender Bingo on Thursday Nights.
