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Looking for a Friday night activity sans alcohol, but not willing to sacrifice giddy high jinks and the presence of a few good drag queens? Then dust off your lucky bingo marker and head to the Columbus Community Center (2531 S. 400 East, 801-412-3295) for Gay Bingo, put on the second Friday of every month and hosted by Utah’s drag troupe The Utah Cyber Sluts.
The gaudily-garbed Utah Cyber Sluts formed in 2000 and launched their popular bingo night two years later. According to Cyber Slut Ida Slapter, the goal of the group and Gay Bingo Night is to bridge gaps by benefiting organizations in and out of the gay community. A different Utah nonprofit is the spotlighted at each event.
On bingo night, individuals ranging from fresh 20-somethings to seniors pack the auditorium to raise dollar bills in the air, eager to hand them to wigged and boa-draped queens with a punk-rock edge. Bring plenty of cash and prepare yourself to leave covered in glittered kiss marks, a handful of prizes ranging from Rice-A-Roni to “personal massagers” from local sponsors and an aching stomach from laughing.
In the mood for something more traditional? Reserve a table at Annie’s Dinner and Bingo Club (4151 S. Redwood Road, 801-266-0255) or Southgate Dinner & Bingo, (3725 S. 900 East, 801-266-6025).
Following a night of drinking, Wendy Simpson, 25, walked to a McDonald’s restaurant in West Yorkshire, England, where she was told that the counter was closed and only the drive-through was open but that she couldn’t be served