We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ivy Les Vixens. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ivy below.

Hi Ivy, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

When I first came out and started going to gay bars, the main type of the entertainment was mostly drag or like, go-go boys. And I love drag queens – I was raised by a wild pack of drag queens – but there was nothing specifically for women. It felt like everything was catered to gay men, even if we, as queer women, also enjoyed drag. But it still didn’t feel like queer women were represented or catered to or even considered. So I wanted to change that. I started creating shows that were for queer women, by queer women, and I haven’t stopped creating spaces, shows, and community for sapphic women since. Representation is so powerful, so needed, and I’ve dedicated my entire life to making it a reality for queer women.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ivy is the founder and producer of the Les Vixens, the largest, longest-running all queer burlesque troupe in the country. This powerhouse pussycat is a sapphic safe space creator, a queer innovator, a sultry burlesque performer, and accomplished emcee. She produces and directs the largest & longest-running LGBTQ+ women’s weekly event in the U.S., GIRL the Party, and empowers audiences and performers alike to own their sensuality, bodies, and identities. She uses her platform for mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy, community connection, and creating safe spaces, all while she continues to prance and dance her heart out, leaving a trail of sequins and glitter wherever she goes.

In addition to creating events – from community events like park days and sapphic cinema nights to night club events and full scale burlesque productions – Ivy also runs a podcast, Tea & Glitter, where she shares her insights and advice on living out loud and living your best life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Fighting for women in a male-dominated world is a constant battle, even and especially in the queer community. Fighting for stages and pay and the space to exist, to have women prioritized, to battle misogyny – I face this nearly every day in what I do. And yet I know I have to be firm, professional, and then also let my brand and my years of work and success speak for me. I lead with a soft heart and a strong backbone.

In an industry that continues to be male-centric, I have carved out huge success for a niche and audience that is underrepresented – and the connection and community and sold-out shows and events prove that the work is not only necessary, but wanted by our community.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media voice started simply because I wanted to connect with my audiences. It wasn’t just about promoting shows and events; it was about inspiring and speaking directly to my community about my own thoughts, feelings, hopes, and determination. I think that authentic voice really resonated with people and drew people in so that it wasn’t simply about coming to see a burlesque show; it was about creating relationships and connection. I think that’s the key to building on social media: stay authentic. Share your heart. Be vulnerable. And if you can do that with a little extra sparkle or fun, it changes the game.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lesvixens.com
• Instagram: @IvyLesVixens; @LesVixensBurlesque
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaAndGlitter