Erin, who goes to New York for an internship, meets Garrett and has a fling with him. Problems occur when they fall in love and decide to be in a long-distance relationship once Erin returns home.
Lu, a conformist woman in her forties, learns that her 15-year partner has been having extramarital affairs. Starting from scratch, she gets involved in an unexpected relationship with a young womanizer.
In post-9/11 New York City, an eclectic group of citizens find their lives entangled, personally, romantically, and sexually, at Shortbus, an underground Brooklyn salon infamous for its blend of art, music, politics, and carnality.