Hi there! I’m Liv (pronounced Leeeve, as in “Leave It“), and I am an heiress to the knowledge and passion of a long line of Lutheran preachers. Instead of heading to seminary after graduating from Williams College, however, I hit the stage, where I felt confident I could foster my own “ministry” while exploring questions I had about feminism, social justice, and art.

My performances have taken me around the world, from the smallest stages to the largest, preaching my message that connection is paramount, that sex work is important and valuable work, and that stripping IS art.

I am a writer, a musician, a public speaker, and a muse. I (along with my alter egos Viva Las Vegas and Coco Cobra) have two books and countless essays to my name, as well as a dozen LPs and as many movies (including three with Gus Van Sant and two with James Westby). My first book, Magic Gardens, inspired a well-loved opera, “Viva’s Holiday”, and my life inspired the feature-length documentary “Thank You for Supporting the Arts”.

I am available for speaking engagements, academic lectures, readings, and music performances with my medieval/Renaissance vocal trio Bergerette. I maintain weekly office hours prowling the stage at fabulous Mary’s Club in scenic downtown Portland.