To celebrate Pride, Canadian cosmetics brand Annabelle has partnered with Kendall Gender, Canada’s Drag Race season 2 finalist, on an inclusive beauty campaign in support of Rainbow Railroad. We chatted with Kendall about the colourful collection, and the important support it will provide. —Noa Nichol
Congrats on your campaign with Annabelle Cosmetics! How did this partnership come about, and what made it a perfect fit for you?
Thank you! Annabelle Cosmetics is a champion for diversity, inclusivity, and bold self-expression, aligning perfectly with my ongoing advocacy for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, making our partnership a natural fit. Having the opportunity to align my passion for drag and community activism with a brand that I love is a chance I couldn’t pass up and I’m proud to partner with Annabelle to inspire Canadians to be Proud Out Loud throughout Pride month and beyond.
What is the aim/goal of this Proud Out Loud campaign? We hear there’s a charitable component, too; please tell us about that?
Annabelle Cosmetics wants everyone to feel safe and PROUD to be their true amazing selves, which is why a partnership with Rainbow Railroad makes perfect sense. I partnered with Annabelle to produce a video where I share what it means to live Proud Out Loud and every view triggers a donation towards Rainbow Railroad—it’s as simple as that! A proudly Canadian company, Annabelle Cosmetics is proud to support Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit organization that helps 2SLGBTQ+ people escape violence and persecution in their home countries based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Since its founding, Rainbow Railroad has helped more than 1,600 2SLGBTQ+ individuals find safety through emergency relocation, giving many queer people the opportunity experience Annabelle’s mission of freedom of expression and individuality.
What products are included in this limited-edition Pride range? Do you have a favourite?
The Annabelle Cosmetics Pride Collection features nine colourful makeup products that embolden your features and let you express yourself with all the colours of the rainbow, including lip gloss, colourful duo kohl eyeliners, mascara, eyeshadows, and even big, bold and colourful false Pride lashes! I love all the products; I’m obsessing over Annabelle’s Bigshow Hydraplump lip gloss in the shade, Speak Up. I also love Annabelle’s Perfect Setting Mist—it actually works and keeps my makeup looking fresh, even if I’m lip-syncing!
Top tips for powerful Pride looks?
For me, confidence is the best look someone can wear during pride. Pride is a time about showing off exactly who you are, no matter what! Pride is about being uniquely you and celebrating your individuality, and I personally love to play with fun accessories, like Annabelle’s bedazzled Pride lashes, to add a bit of playfulness to be colourful look.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is and always has been about supporting and uplifting queer and marginalized communities. I believe we are so lucky to live in Canada, and while we live in a progressive country where we’re free to express ourselves without persecution, it’s so important to remember that the fight is not over for everyone around the world. Working with Canadian beauty brand, Annabelle Cosmetics, a champion for diversity, inclusivity, and bold self-expression, on a Pride campaign centered around inclusive beauty in support of Rainbow Railroad, is a beautiful example of blending the fun and uplifting side of pride, with the activism in which it was originated.
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