If you're one of those rabid pride celebration groupies or if you've traveled the

world on the beauty pageant circuit, you probably already recognize the name of international pop sensation Jade Esteban Estrada. Or your should - the 24-year-old Texas native has performed his blend of Tejano, hi-NRG, and pop in seven languages and 25 countries, including 16 pride celebrations in 2000 alone. But with the release of his debut album, "Angel," Estrada may be well on his way to transcending the pride-and pageantry niche to arrive as the first gay Latin star.

    Well, openly gay, at least. Estrada, who opposes outing other artists, does appreciate the importance of gay role model in the Latin community and strives to maintain an elegant balance of pop and politics in his stage show. Interspersed with club hits such as 1998's "Reggae Twist" are protests of Dr. Laura and talks on AIDS prevention in Latin America. "I give my crowds flash, sequins and Stonewall," he says.

     A Broadway veteran who's lived in England, Germany, and Japan, Estrada refuses to be pegged as just another singer in the current Latin explosion.

     "Every 50 years or so the public discovers us and says "Wow!"---Carmen Miranda and Desi Arnaz are rolling their eyes right now." And Estrada is no novelty act: His self-described "political entertainment" is equally at home during the Miss Montana USA Pageant (which he MC'ed) and last year's Latino Women's March in Philadelphia. But don't pigeonhole him based on his resume.

     "Just because I'm out, he reminds us, "doesn't mean I don't have any secrets."