Lady Tatiana celebrates 25 years of her iconic Latin Night, a beloved tradition at Chez Est

Lady Tatiana’s Latin Night 25th Anniversary at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on March 6, 2026. Photo by Kevin Ferrisi.

This past Friday, one of Connecticut’s most beloved figures in the drag community, Lady Tatiana, celebrated a major milestone. For 25 years she has hosted the state’s iconic Latin Night, held on the first Friday of every month at Chez Est in Hartford. What started as a celebration of Latin culture has grown into a long-running tradition where the queer community comes together to dance, connect, and honor that heritage. Over the years, Tatiana has built a loyal following, with hundreds of fans returning month after month, turning the night into one of the most enduring and meaningful fixtures in Connecticut’s drag scene.

Lady Tatiana during Lady Tatiana’s Latin Night 25th Anniversary at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on March 6, 2026. Photo by Nick Dionne.

The most recent Latin Night was no exception. Fans of drag traveled from across the tri-state area and lined up around the block outside Chez Est to show their support for Lady Tatiana. Inside, the room filled quickly as longtime regulars and first-time visitors gathered to celebrate the performer who has led the beloved monthly tradition for 25 years. The turnout reflected the deep connection Tatiana has built with her audience and the lasting place the event holds in Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Lady Tatiana set the stage on fire with her signature Latin flair and fiery lip-syncs, completely owning the stage in true icon fashion. Helping set the tone for the evening were the legendary Destiny Nations Royal, the stunning Rozz Aura, and the gorgeous Layla’h Rinaldi, who opened the show and energized the crowd as the celebration got underway.

3.6.26 Lady Tatiana – Latin Night (1st Performance) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Lady Tatiana at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on March 6, 2026. Video by Nick Dionne.

Lady Tatiana holds a special place in Connecticut’s drag community and is widely respected throughout the broader drag world. For more than 30 years, she has built a reputation as a performer who also lifts others up, offering guidance and support to members of the Latin, trans, and queer communities. Her impact goes well beyond the stage. Many younger performers credit her encouragement and mentorship as part of their own journeys in drag. Known as the Queen Mother of the House of Legends and the Matriarch of Chez Est, Tatiana has helped shape the local scene for decades and continues to inspire the next generation of drag performers.

For many in Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community, Lady Tatiana’s monthly Latin Night is more than a drag show. It is a space where culture, identity, and community come together. Held on the first Friday of every month at Chez Est, the night celebrates Latin music, dance, and drag while creating a welcoming home for Latinx LGBTQ+ people and their allies.

3.6.26 Lady Tatiana – Latin Night (2nd Performance) from CT Drag Fans on Vimeo. Lady Tatiana at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on March 6, 2026. Video by Nick Dionne.

Events like this matter because they give people a place to see their culture reflected on stage and in the crowd. Over the years, Latin Night has also helped introduce new performers, build friendships, and keep a sense of tradition alive within Connecticut’s nightlife. In a time when queer spaces are becoming harder to maintain, the continued presence of a night like this shows how powerful and necessary these gatherings still are.

Following the celebration, Lady Tatiana took to social media to thank the community that has supported Latin Night for so many years. Looking back on the milestone, she reflected on how hard it is to believe that 25 years have passed and expressed deep gratitude to the fans who continue to show up month after month. She wanted her audience to know how deeply grateful she is for their support and for helping keep the tradition alive. One of her greatest hopes is that every person who walks into her show feels loved and welcomed.

Lady Tatiana after Lady Tatiana’s Latin Night 25th Anniversary at Chez Est in Hartford, CT on March 6, 2026. Video via Instagram. Click to view original video.

Last April, Lady Tatiana was formally honored at Chez Est during the Chez Legends All Stars 2025 event for her decades of dedication to Connecticut’s drag scene. A trailblazer, mentor, and advocate, she has been a steadfast support for the Latin, trans, and queer communities, shaping countless careers and personal journeys with her guidance and care. That day, she was celebrated with the distinguished titles of Queen Mother of the House of Legends and Matriarch of Chez Est, a recognition that reflected the deep respect and gratitude of those she has mentored and the lasting impact she has made on generations of performers.

A true fixture of the drag community, Lady Tatiana has been captivating audiences for 37 years, beginning her journey at just 14 in Puerto Rico. Her early passion for performance, fueled by both personal experience and creative drive, set the stage for a lifetime in drag. After moving to Connecticut, she became a cornerstone of the local scene, performing at celebrated venues in Hartford such as the old Sanctuary, Nix’s Cafe, Polo Club, and Velvet Club, as well as Springfield’s former Metro Club. Her decades-long career not only mirrors the growth and transformation of drag culture but also stands as a testament to her enduring dedication and artistry.

Lady Tatiana is dedicated to passing her legacy on to the next generation of drag performers. She mentors emerging artists, sharing the knowledge and experience she’s gained over decades to help them navigate the world of drag with confidence. Through her guidance, she aims to strengthen the community she helped build and ensure it continues to flourish. Audiences can see her in action across Connecticut, including her signature Latin Night at Chez Est on the first Friday of every month.