THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Robert Ri'chard, Tyson Beckford, DeRay Davis, Michael Jai White, Carmen Electra and Vivica A. Fox are starring in the "urban drama" Chocolate City, which will be in theaters May 22, a press release stated. The film centers on new exotic dancer Michael ( Ri'chard ), who must deal with the unexpected pressure of being the new favorite flavor while hiding his "job" from his mother and girlfriend.

Orange Is the New Star Taryn Manning recently told The Huffington Post that she's been pigeon-holed. "I've definitely been stereotyped, typecast [and] put in a box," Manning said. "It's one of those things that in my 20s, I used to try to fight against that stereotyping and be like, 'But I feel like I'm kinda cute. How come I never get to read for the pretty girl?' Because in Hollywood's eyes, I'm not that girl." However, she added that there's a lot to be said by playing edgier characters.

Chris Carmack, who plays a closeted singer on ABC's Nashville, has just released the new track "Being Alone," available now on iTunes, according to a press release. The song will be included on his forthcoming EP, Pieces of You, slated for release this spring. "Being Alone" marks Carmack's first independent release signifying his career as a solo artist.

Speaking of Nashville, it's one of almost two dozen shows ABC has chosen to bring back next season, according to TheWrap. Some of the other ABC shows that are returning include Scandal ( season five ), black-ish ( season two ), How to Get Away with Murder ( season two ), Once Upon a Time ( season five ) and Dancing with the Stars ( season 21 ).

Lee Daniels revealed to Inside Edition that he's bringing back Naomi Campbell for the second season of the Fox show Empire. Last season, Campbell portrayed Camilla Marks, a cougar who snared the youngest son of Terrence Howard's Lucious Lyon character. Daniels revealed the news at the recent Met Fashion Gala, surprising Campbell, who arrived at the event with him.

Also regarding Empire, the hip-hop soap opera will officially have 18 episodes for its sophomore run; however, the season will be split into halves, TheWrap reported. "We don't want to be greedy; if we came back with the audience we left off with we'd be thrilled," Fox TV Co-CEO Dana Walden said. Also new for season two will be singer/songwriter Ne-Yo, who, in addition to Timbaland, will contribute to the drama's music.

It seems British pop star Adele spent her 27th birthday in drag, and not just any drag—the singer was dressed head to toe as out British pop singer George Michael, Advocate.com noted. The following morning Adele tweeted a photo of herself as 1980s-era Michael to her 22 million Twitter followers. In the pic she sports aviator shades, fake stubble, a white T-shirt and a leather-looking jacket. Adele captioned the shot, "Thank you for the birthday wishes I had a wonderful time! I was my hero x #gottahavefaith."

Miley Cyrus is launching the Happy Hippie Foundation to help homeless and LGBT youth, adding that not all her past relationships were "straight, heterosexual" ones, the Associated Press noted. Cyrus, who famously asked a homeless man to accept her Video of the Year trophy at the 2014 Video Music Awards, said she was inspired by the attention generated by that gesture. Also, she was further moved by the suicide of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn last December. An entertainer since age 14, she wants to use her fame for good, calling Bruce Jenner "my hero" for shining light on transgender issues.

Speaking of Cyrus, she said she doesn't limit herself, sexually speaking, according to ETOnline.com . When asked what her sexuality is ( during a Facebook Q&A ), Cyrus said, "I never want to label myself! I am ready to love anyone that loves me for who I am! I am open!" Recently, in an interview with the Associated Press, Cyrus talked about her dating history, saying that not all of her past relationships have been "straight, heterosexual" partnerships.

And, regarding Cyrus' admission, Raven-Symone ( guest-hosting The View ) said she supports Miley Cyrus' desire not to be labeled for her sexuality, but added: "Miley, I agree with you and, girl, I said it first," TheWrap noted. Symonw was filling in for Whoopi Goldberg, who was dealing with a family issue, when Cyrus' recent interview, in which she said she has relationships with both men and women, but does not want to be labeled "gay" or "straight," came up.

CBS' biggest awards show, the Grammys, will move from its long-time Sunday night to Monday in 2016, Deadline reported. The 58th Annual Grammy Awards will air on Monday, Feb. 15. This will be the first Monday telecast of the Grammys, which have aired on Wednesday, Saturday, Thursday and, most recently, on Sunday for a number of years. The most recent Grammy telecast drew 27 million viewers earlier this year.

GLAAD Media Award recipients were announced in 15 of this year's 31 media categories at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Waldorf Astoria New York on May 9, a press release stated. Television journalist Thomas Roberts received the Vito Russo Award ( with Lynda Carter presenting ) while Kelly Ripa was honored with the Excellence in Media Award ( with good friend Anderson Cooper presenting ). Among the other honorees were Showtime's L Word Mississippi: Hate the Sin ( Outstanding Documentary ) and Time's "The Transgender Tipping Point," written by Katy Steinmetz ( Outstanding Magazine Article ). There were also five Spanish-language award recipients, including Café CNN's " La historia de una [mujer] transexual" ( Outstanding TV Journalism Segment ).

Transgender actress Laverne Cox told an enthusiastic 1,000-member audience at Cal State Fullerton to "not be gender police" and to "allow people to express their gender in ways that feel most authentic to them, The Orange County Register reported. Cox, 30, drew standing ovations at the start and finish of her hour-long talk in the gym, recounting a life in which she was bullied, shamed and humiliated for years for behaving in ways contrary to traditional male norms. The third season of one of Cox's shows, Orange Is the New Black, starts June 12.

Ryan Gosling paid tribute to a dead Scottish Vine star Ryan McHenry by finally eating a bowl of cereal on camera, TheWrap noted. The actor uploaded a Vine video paying tribute to McHenry, who made popular videos called "Ryan Gosling Won't Eat His Cereal." McHenry filmed a spoon being held up to the mouth of various characters Gosling portrayed throughout his career. McHenry, 27, died after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that originates in the bones.

Just two weeks after WNBA star Brittney Griner and fiancee/fellow basketball player Glory Johnson were arrested on assault and disorderly-conduct allegations, the couple tied the knot in a ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona, USA Today reported. People.com reported that, as about 75 guests looked on, the brides, both 24, were married beneath an archway at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Their first dance was to Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud." Johnson, a forward with the Tulsa Shock, wore a full-length, strapless champagne gown with a small train by Matthew Christopher that she selected from Bridals by Lori in Atlanta on an episode of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress.

Rosie O'Donnell was ready to battle it out with ex Michelle Rounds on Tuesday, but the star's ex didn't make it to the courtroom, People.com noted. The estranged couple is fighting over custody of 2-year-old daughter Dakota. But after the little girl fell ill with a 104.3-degree fever, Rounds opted to stay home with the sick toddler. O'Donnell's rep said that Rounds seeking sole custody is "an absurd and desperate attempt to use a child for her own gain."

NBC has picked up sitcoms Crowded and Superstore, TheWrap noted. Superstore, starring America Ferrera and Ben Feldman, revolves around a unique family of employees at a super-sized megastore, and marks Ferrera's return to series TV since ending Ugly Betty in 2010. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner executive-produced Crowded, which features Patrick Warburton and Carrie Preston.

In other Sean Hayes-related news, he and husband Scott Icenogle recorded another lip-sync video just in time for Mother's Day, People noted. In the clip posted to Hayes' Facebook page on Tuesday, the two sing along to "Mama," by LunchMoney Lewis. In the clip, the former Will & Grace star takes the lip-sync lead, while Icenogle provides accompaniment, and even slaps on a wig as he channels Hayes' mom.

BBC America has renewed the Tatiana Maslany drama Orphan Black for season four, TheWrap noted. Ten new episodes are set to air in 2016. Sarah Barnett, BBC AMERICA president and general manager, stated, "Tatiana Maslany's buzzy, virtuoso performance headlines a brilliant cast, and we are delighted to let our vocal and passionate fan base know that this wildly entertaining ride will continue next year." Orphan Black is a Canadian science-fiction television series starring Maslany as several identical people who are, in fact, clones.

NBC has given a series order to Little Big Shots, a comedy-variety show featuring children that will be executive-produced by Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey and that Harvey will host, TheWrap noted. The series, which has received an order for eight one-hour episodes, will feature "the world's most talented and extraordinary kids," the network said.

HBO and FX—and their shows Olive Kitteridge and Justified—led nominations for the 5th annual Critics' Choice Television Awards, People noted. HBO received 27 total nominations and FX garnered 16, while fan favorites like The Good Wife, American Horror Story: Freak Show and The Big Bang Theory also scored multiple nominations. The 5th annual Critics' Choice Television Awards will be broadcast live on A&E from the Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 31.

Mariah Carey kicked off her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace by poking a little fun at her reputation—and then proving beyond any doubt that she can still bring the house down with her huge range and high notes, according to People. "I'm doing my best to be a diva this evening," she joked, as she sang all 18 of her number-one hits, plus her new song, "Infinity." She also had six costume changes and one hair change during the hour-and-45-minute show. "Mariah #1 to Infinity" runs through July at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Legendary R&B singer Stephanie Mills, the original broadway star of The Wiz, is on board to play a part in NBC's live musical update of the African-American spin on the The Wizard of Oz, according to TheWrap. Mills will play Aunt Em in the production set to air Dec. 3. The "Never Knew Love Like This Before" singer is the first cast member to be announced for the network's follow-up to The Sound of Music and Peter Pan. Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are returning to produce The Wiz, which will also lead to a Broadway revival in 2016.

The 2015-16 television season is shaping up to be the season of openly gay creator Greg Berlanti, who will oversee at least six primetime network shows, TheWrap noted. Berlanti will run Blindspot, Supergirl, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Mysteries of Laura ( the Debra Messing show that will see its second season ), Arrow and The Flash. In the past, Berlanti oversaw shows such as Everwood as well as Brothers and Sisters.

British singer Sam Smith is undergoing surgery after developing a vocal cord hemorrhage, Chron.com noted. The star has cancelled a string of global tour dates, including concerts in Australia, Japan and the Philippines, after he was diagnosed with the condition. Smith posted on Instagram, "I'm so gutted to be missing all the shows and events I was meant to be playing at. The doctors say I will be back in 6-8 weeks and I cannot wait to sing for you all soon."

The board of directors of the Baseball Reliquary Inc., a Southern California-based nonprofit organization, has announced that Sy Berger, Steve Bilko and Glenn Burke will be the 17th class of electees to the Shrine of the Eternals, according to Sports Collectors Digest. Burke ( who died in 1995, and played during 1976-79 ) was the first big-league ballplayer to publicly acknowledge he was gay. In his 1995 autobiography, Out at Home: The Glenn Burke Story, the Burke revealed that Dodgers' management, in an attempt to conceal his homosexuality, offered to pay for Burke's honeymoon if he would agree to marry a woman.

During the traditional "kiss cam" at a game between baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium, the camera settled on two men who happily did the honors as the fans erupted in applause and cheers, The Huffington Post reported. YouTuber Joven Calloway, who filmed the action at Chavez Ravine, said it's the first gay kiss on the Dodger Stadium kiss cam. Reaction to the kiss is worlds away from an ugly incident in the summer of 2000, when two women were tossed out of the ballpark for kissing during a game.

Anthony Geary is checking out of General Hospital, TheWrap noted. The actor, who's played Luke Spencer on the ABC soap opera since 1978, is exiting the series. In addition, the show recently announced that Genie Francis is returning to the series to reprise the role of Laura Spencer. Francis will participate in Geary's exit storyline.

Ellen Albertini Dow, a feisty character actress best known for her salty rendition of "Rapper's Delight" in the film The Wedding Singer, died at age 101, The Chicago Tribune noted. Her "Wedding Singer" role led to memorable and often foul-mouthed character roles in films like Wedding Crashers, 'Road Trip and 54, as the drug-addled party girl Disco Dottie. Dow didn't begin her professional acting career until she was in her 70s, when she got her first job on The Twilight Zone.

Here Media has launched the new social-entertainment network Pride.com, which is geared toward LGBT millenials, a press release stated. Developed by Livefyre and powered by Livefyre Studio, Pride.com uses real-time interactions to inform its editorial focus and promotion. Members use their existing Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr or Google Plus profiles to instantly log in and engage with other members around the content that matters most to them.

A Page Six article/aerial showed that Hollywood celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Barbra Streisand, Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lopez are among those who continue to take water to keep their gardens fresh and lawns green while Southern California withers from a devastating drought. Experts predict California reservoirs have less than a year's worth of drinking water left. An emergency law forces local cities to conserve water immediately. The article also says that, despite the green appearance, Cher, Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts have made some drought-conscious changes.

A viewer vote will cast the next season of the "Survivor" franchise, choosing 20 cast members from a pool of 32 former players for the 31st season of the show, TheWrap noted. The upcoming season will film this summer and air this fall. The 32 candidates span the reality show's history, from the season-one runner-up Kelly Wigglesworth ( dubbed "the rat" in a famous speech that 50 million people viewed ) to five contestants from the currently airing season 30. None of the contestants has ever won.

Fox has announced its 2015-16 slate. According to TheWrap, the sequel series to Steven Spielberg's Minority Report film scored the plum spot after Fox's Gotham on Monday nights, while Todd Harthan's Rosewood pairs with breakout sensation Empire on Wednesday nights. Meanwhile, the network's most anticipated new series—the six-episode return of The X-Files with original stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson—is set for a January bow. Also, the final season of "American Idol" will return in January; judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. are also coming back.