Arts & Entertainment
‘Riverdale’ adds first bisexual character to cast
Vanessa Morgan will take on the role of Toni Topaz
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
“Riverdale” has added its first bisexual character to the cast, Toni Topaz.
Toni will be played by Canadian native Vanessa Morgan, according to ET Online. A character from the Archie Comics, Toni sports pink hair and is close with Jughead, frequently battling against him in food eating competitions.
In the comics, Toni is also hinted as being bisexual. Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa promises the series will explore Toni’s bisexuality.
In the second season, Jughead (Cole Sprouse) transfers to Southside High and joins a gang. Toni will be a fellow student at the school and also in the same gang. Jughead and Toni will become close friends and possibly cause trouble for Jughead’s relationship with Betty.
Unlike the comics where Jughead is asexual, Jughead identifies as straight in the series. During San Diego Comic Con, Madelaine Petsch, who plays Cheryl Blossom, hinted that her love interest this season wouldn’t be male giving a possible clue it could be Toni.
The show also has a gay male character, Kevin Keller (Casey Cott), who was upgraded from reoccurring role to main cast for the second season.
“Riverdale” season two premieres Oct. 11 on CW.
Sports
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Games to take place next month in Italy
“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.
HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.
The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.
Bars & Parties
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance
Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.
Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.
The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.
‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay
Comings & Goings
Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans
‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday
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