Bulldog Productions’ latest initiative, which launches this month, aims to amplify voices from the 2SLGBTQI+ community and present them in an accessible, entertaining way. And, the project has an Emmy Award winner and cultural icon backing it, as well as a huge launch party planned at one of the city’s most iconic venues. Read on to learn more about the new, ground-breaking streaming service, called The Bow, launching for all Canadians soon.

About The Bow

The name The Bow represents the end of the rainbow, and aims to bring allied corporate partners together to support true excellence in Canadian queer film and television. It will also be a ground-breaker in the streaming service landscape by hosting community-based social media functions and presenting interactive resources intended to revolutionize queer living and create global connections. The Bow operates under the belief that the only cure for homophobia is education and, as a result, aims to do just that: educate.

“Growing up, the queer content I watched on TV validated my experiences and gave me hope to know that in time I’d be able to live the life I saw reflected in these stories.” said The Bow founder and Bulldog Productions Creative Director Matthew McLaughlin. “However, as most 2SLGBTQI+ content is hidden behind a paywall many youths today aren’t as fortunate. Through both our original programming and interactive functions, we hope that queer youth feel seen and supported by our platform, empowering them to live their authentic life from the very beginning.”

“The Bow will tell queer stories by queer creators. We are thrilled to be the platform that allows for queer voices to have a true seat at the table,” said The Bow Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor Billy Porter. “It’s my mission to create equity within mainstream media and The Bow is making that happen.”

The free, ad-driven platform will feature six independent projects that act as the foundation of the app: Drag Me to Brunch, Balls to the Wall, Mysterious Finn, Animal Place, On This Day and FAK YAASS. Each aligns with the aim of connecting users with the content and creating a safe space for everyone, no matter how they identify.

And, of course, Porter and the team behind The Bow will celebrate its launch on August 24th at one of Toronto’s most iconic venues, the El Mocambo, with an event complete with the place where Porter shines most: a red carpet.

Erica Commisso

Erica Commisso is falling in love with the city of Toronto again, after returning from a stint in New York City. Her interests cover everything from hockey to fashion to music to classic literature and everything in between. If there’s something to be learned, Erica needs to know everything there is to know about it. You can catch her out for dinner in some trendy hotspots or on her couch during game nights cheering for the Colorado Avalanche as if they can hear her through the TV.