b'COVER STORYSince the end of Season 2 in December 2021, the drag world has been Genders oyster. Her merch line is booming, featuring elevated basics like tees, hoodies and sweatpants emblazoned with her name. Expanding further into fashion, Gender has collaborated with a number of big brands. For Pride, I did a design collaboration with Canadian swimwear brand Londre. My hands are in a lot of different things! Gender exclaims. But thats the coolest thing about this level of drag and this level of exposure. It allows me to use skills that Ive cultivated in different aspects of my life and put them into my passion projects.TAKING CONTROL WITH KENDALL GENDER INC.Gender is now the proud CEO of Kendall Gender Inc. I wanted to be in control of my own career and consider longevity, Gender explains. Prior to CDR, she got a lot of business advice from different people. Much of that advice was to sign with a management company, who would handle everything and pay Gender out once a month. But that advice just didnt resonate. I like being in control of my own career, money and destiny. All the decisions are my own, Gender explains. It also made me feel more comfortable diving into other business ventures, like clothing and apparel. And it all sits under the umbrella company of Kendall Gender Inc.Full business control also allows Gender to take drag outside of the usual places like clubs and drag brunches. Taking drag into spaces you wouldnt necessarily expect is a mantra for me. Exposing people to queer identities and drag in different areas is how we become more accepting as a culture.And being a stellar CEO isnt all about her. Technically, youre at the head of itbut a team is really what makes you successful. Its the people that you work with that get you to your end goal.STAYING TRUE TO HER VALUESNew drag performers may feel pressure to take gigs that dont resonate with them 6| QBiz CANADA | Issue 22022'