Portland, Oregon is the strip club capital of the world. In this thought-provoking talk, Viva Las Vegas challenges our prejudices and preconceived notions to consider sex work as a feminist enterprise, and stripping as art. Sounds provocative? See for yourself.

With stoic confidence, Viva Las Vegas is absolutely fearless in her delivery to open hearts and minds of anyone who is willing to listen. A talented musician and writer, she is also the daughter of a Lutheran
minister, was the valedictorian of her high school class, a National Merit Scholar finalist, an introvert with an intense history of body dysmorphia, and a cancer survivor.

Viva Las Vegas was part of a historic 7,000+ attendee Year 10 experience. After three reschedules due to the Pandemic, our Core Organizing Team persevered through 1,164 days of planning and execution to produce the event for Portland, OR.

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With special thanks to the University of Oregon for
presenting partnership, a world class stage design provided by Meyer Pro Inc, an incredible legacy bound Event Book provided by Premier Press and to the creative digital craft provided by Enjoy the Weather & Victory Creative. All of our Partners and event history can be found at TEDxPortland.com Viva Las Vegas first took the stage in Portland 24 years ago in a fit of intellectual and moral pique after learning in college that stripping and sex work were considered “un-feminist.” In the intervening decades, she’s published two books and countless essays, released half a dozen LPs with various bands, and inspired a feature-length documentary. Her first book, Magic Gardens, was alchemized into the hit opera “Viva’s Holiday” by Portland composer Christopher Corbell. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx