Full Breakdown
Tensions Erupt in Pinball Community Over Bathroom Incident in North Carolina
1/31/2026, 10:51:35 PM
Incident Overview: Confrontation at the Tournament
During a pinball tournament at Flippers Convenience & Arcade in North Carolina on November 7, 2022, a confrontation occurred regarding restroom access for transgender players. Samantha Bacon, a participant, expressed concern for trans and gender-nonconforming players after arcade manager Becky Connell confronted a trans individual in the women’s restroom, citing a North Carolina bill that had not yet been enacted. Connell threatened to call the police if she believed anyone was in the wrong restroom. Despite Bacon's efforts to clarify the situation, Connell insisted on her authority, leading to heightened tensions among players.
Community Response: Gathering Outside the Arcade
Following the incident, many players, particularly those who identified as trans, felt uncomfortable entering the arcade. Tournament director Kevin Stone was uncertain about how to proceed, prompting Bacon to suggest extending qualifying time for players who wished to wait until Connell left. However, the situation escalated further as the tournament continued without immediate cancellation, which many players viewed as a failure to prioritize safety and inclusion.
Leadership Decisions: Fallout from the Incident
As the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) leadership became aware of the incident, they recognized that it violated their inclusion policy. Despite this acknowledgment, the tournament remained sanctioned, leading to significant backlash from the community. Players interpreted the IFPA's decision as prioritizing tournament points over the safety of trans participants. Stone later apologized for not postponing the tournament, while IFPA Director Adam Becker described the handling of the incident as a leadership failure.
Division and Boycotts: Community Fractures
The aftermath of the incident saw a growing divide within the pinball community. Over 1,400 players signed a petition demanding the reversal of the tournament's sanctioning. The women's advisory board of the IFPA ultimately resigned after their vote to de-sanction the event was overruled. This led to boycotts of IFPA events and discussions among players about forming an independent competition circuit, reflecting deep-seated frustrations regarding the organization's response.
Policy Changes: IFPA's New Direction
In response to the backlash, the IFPA implemented several policy changes, including the establishment of a reporting email for safety incidents and the introduction of a new code of conduct. IFPA President Josh Sharpe emphasized the need for clear, enforceable guidance for event organizers to ensure the safety of all participants. He acknowledged that merely having inclusion policies was insufficient and committed to fostering an environment where trans players feel safe and respected.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust
For players like B., who experienced significant emotional distress from the incident, rebuilding trust in the community remains a challenge. While she appreciates the new inclusion policy, she questions its enforcement. Despite her complicated feelings about competition, B. remains determined to continue participating in pinball, viewing it as a vital escape. “F--- them, I’m still going to be here,” she stated, highlighting her resilience in the face of adversity.
The incident at Flippers has sparked a broader conversation about inclusion and safety within the pinball community, prompting both reflection and action as stakeholders work to address the concerns raised by players.
