The audience judges the contest, flawlessly hosted by a drag queen named Xviara. And, God bless 'em, this crowd is not afraid to tell you how they feel. If they like you, you know it. If they don't, well, you know that, too. After he finishes, there are a few polite cheers and the sounds of crickets chirping in the background.
Most people decide that night, on the spur of the moment, that they want to participate.
But really, I think everyone feels welcome here, especially for the shower contest because it's all about letting go, not taking things too seriously and having a good time. But it's still early, and just a few earlybirds are sipping cocktails in the plush velvety booths, biding their time before Glasgow-based DJ Paul Gordon takes to the tables. I head up to Fifth Floor for a little pre-partying, as it were. Beautiful people converse and drink expensive-looking drinks, posing and posturing to be noticed. There are bouncers everywhere, no doubt on the prowl to give the heave to anyone popping E or K or whatever other single-letter designer drugs the kids like to take these days.