Meet Liv Laughlove | Drag Queen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liv Laughlove and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liv, what are you inspired by?
What inspires and drives me is the profound impact of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout history, this community has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continually striving for progress and excellence. Particularly noteworthy are the contributions of the BIPOC queer and transgender communities, who have served as pioneers in both our broader society and within the realm of drag. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera paved the way for LGBTQ+ equality, while contemporary trailblazers such as Dylan Mulvaney, Lady Shug, and Sasha Colby uphold this legacy by advocating for human and queer rights.

When I look around, I see a resilient community which thrives despite facing adversity from those who misunderstand or oppose us, is deeply inspiring to me. I am particularly moved by individuals who courageously champion their beliefs and identities on public platforms, despite encountering hostility. While I also strive to live authentically and contribute positively, I find continual inspiration in those who boldly and authentically navigate the challenges of living openly in the face of widespread prejudice.

This inspiration drives me to be a drag queen who is focused on giving back and growing our community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is, first, I am a bearded, campy queen that focuses on humor and inspiration. I want my drag to inspire others to become the performer they have dreamed of being. It is very much a, “if I can do it, you can do it” approach! Drag brings so much joy and if you want to participate in it, I will be your biggest supporter. That being said, drag can sometimes come at a cost. Whether it be embracing your flaws, finding courage to perform in front of a live audience, or overcoming family pressure, there is sometimes a cost of doing the things you love. For me, I grew in a very religious home and, since coming out, have spent my life unlearning something of the things I was taught. This has been a very difficult task but one of the things that I have learned from this is how strong I am and how strong my support system is. I have learned that just because you were raised in a certain lifestyle does not mean that it is right and that, as an adult, you have the power to be authentically yourself in all situations. It can be harder than it seems but it is not impossible!

What I want the world to know is that if I can come out and live loud and proud and become a drag performer, then you can do whatever you set your mind to! You will find friendship, strength, and hope are waiting for you on the other side of the battle and, take it from me, it is worth the fight.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I love Dallas. We live in such a beautiful city with so many things to do! There are actually several things to do during the week, as well.

During the week, there are so many options. The Round-Up Saloon offers regular drag shows, karaoke, and line dance lessons! JR’s Bar and Grill also offers some amazing drag shows plus one of the best patios in Dallas for a Sunday Funday afternoon. Speaking of patios, Woody’s has an amazing patio and offers some very fun karaoke, drag shows, and on Tuesday’s offers a show-tunes themed night! You can also find live music at Alexandre’s, as well. If you’re looking for an amazing drag show, the Rose Room is an iconic drag spot and offers so many incredible performers! We also cannot forget the iconic Hamburger Mary’s, as well! Another spot, which frequently features queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is the iconic Latinx nightclub, Havana. The Cedar Springs strip is one of my favorite places to hang out.

In addition to so many amazing hang outs, Cedar Springs (and Dallas, in general) offers a ton of restaurant options. On Cedar Springs, you can find the iconic Hunky’s, which offers old fashioned burgers and several other tasty options, Street’s Fine Chicken, Roy G’s, Italia Express, and several other options. If you’re ready for brunch, it is well worth it to wake up a bit earlier than normal on a Saturday and head to Snooze! From Campisi’s, Ai Sushi, Mike’s Chicken, and Delucca Pizzeria, Dallas has some AMAZING restaurant options.

Shameless plug: I do also have a separate website that features different restaurants and LGBTQ+ options for nightlife! You can find it at LiveLaughDallas.com

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! Liv Laughlove would not exist if it were not for the Dallas Independent Volleyball Association (aka DIVA). DIVA has been an established nonprofit that provides a competitive outlet for the LGBTQ+ community and focuses on its mission of operating with a philanthropic mentality. DIVA hosts several events throughout the year, all in the name of raising funds for DFW nonprofit organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. One of these fundraisers is the annual amateur, charity drag pageant which raises funds for the Resource Center Food Pantry. I competed in both 2022 and 2023, winning the crown in 2023!

Becoming 2023’s Miss DIVA was something I could never have done alone. There are so many people I’d love to shoutout! A major shoutout my good friend Rylie, aka Miss DIVA 2019, Ophelia Oliver, for helping Liv become Liv. From sewing gowns, creating looks, and painting my face far too many times, Rylie is an amazing friend. I’d also like to thank my good friend Cesar, who was volunteered to do my makeup, as well. You are a true gem. Although there are so many others I am so thankful for, I have to shoutout my biggest supporter and soon-to-be husband, Roland. The support alone is worth the shoutout but he presents so many creative ideas that help me become the best version of Liv that I can be. I love you!

Website: linktr.ee/ms.livlaughlove

Instagram: @ms.LivLaughlove

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ms.livlaughlove

Other: livelaughdallas.com