oston isn't exactly known for its Latino and Latina populations the way L.A. and Miami are, but there's anecdotal evidence that the pro-gay atmosphere here in Yankee country is attracting a higher percentage of queer Hispanic immigrants than elsewhere. Whether that's true or not, the fact is that local Latinos at Somos Latin@s launched the nation's first Latino LGBT Pride celebrations seven years ago. Yet another queer first for Massachusetts! (Even more, the main man behind Latino Pride here, Wilfred Labiosa, has gone on to become a driving force for and founding director of Unid@s, the national Latino and Latina lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights organization.)

This year's full week of festivities commences on September 30, and promises to include the mucho grande spirit of past years, including the generally super-plumed Massachusetts Gay Latina Pageant.

But if you simply can't wait till the end of September to witness Latin royalty at its best, plan on heading to Providence on Sunday (August 29), where the Latin Monarch Family of New England and GALANE are holding the Lady For All Seasons 2010 Pageant at Club Gallery, 150 Point St., starting at 6 with the pageant and show at 7.

Viva gay!

James Lopata is editor of Boston Spirit magazine.