The rooftop bar Commune in Shibuya¡¯s Parco building feels more like a club, packed with screaming fans. On stage, drag king Derek Toro¡¯s hair is full of gold glitter as he flaunts his shogun-style robes with a katana for a microphone tucked into a lapel. Opposite Toro, drag queen Auja Vougsh fans herself ¡ª she¡¯s worked up a sweat in her rhinestoned bodysuit, green and black wig and opera gloves.
Fans of each performer chant the names of their favorite, nearly drowning out the DJ.
¡°I¡¯m worried when we declare a winner there¡¯s going to be a riot,¡± says Tom Hall, co-organizer for the night alongside Filipina queen Vera Strondh. ¡°Things are really intense out there.¡±
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