Drag Queen Spotlight: Norma Lee High Talks Palm Springs & Camp Comedy

November 15, 2023
JOSHUA ANDREW

And just like that, it’s time for another fierce edition of Drag Queen Spotlight! This is where we introduce you to an incredible drag queen that you need to know about! This week we’re spotlighting Palm Springs' newest star, Norma Lee High! This camp comedy queen is making a name for herself through her incredible mixes and spoken word performances. She is a star on the rise! Check out her answers below, and follow her on Instagram!

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How did you get your drag name?

My best friend for like 25+ years helped me create it. Norma is my grandmother and also Marilyn Monroe's birthname so I knew I wanted that piece of it. Also, I'm the biggest stoner I know, so we also wanted that, and Miss Norma Lee High was born.

How long have you been doing drag?

Only about six months. It took me forever to finally fulfill this dream and it's been a crazy six months!

When is your birthday? How old are you?

November 15! A true Scorpio...and I'm double 19 (thanks Karen Huger for the new math).

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Relationship status?

Single. Feels like I'm in a relationship with Norma — she gets all my free time.

What made you want to start doing drag?

A part of me has always wanted to do drag. I was obsessed with musical theatre growing up and now I get to be the leading lady (or character actress) of my dreams. Luckily out here in Palm Springs, we have some amazing drag opportunities, like Vanity Halston's contest I started in at One Eleven Bar. The first week was my first time performing in drag and 10 weeks later, I won the contest.

Who inspires your drag (celebrities, other queens, etc.)?

I'm inspired by the queens of Palm Springs who turn it out every day (Vanity Halston, Rosemary Galore, Anita Rose, Sabryna Williams, etc) and the warmth and generosity they have shown me starting out. I'm very inspired by Old Hollywood — Bette Davis, Rosalind Russell, Judy Garland. I'm also inspired by Drag Race and the Housewives and all that is our modern pop culture too.

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Favorite song/artist to lip sync to?

I love Broadway, country music, and monologues from iconic TV shows and films.

Have you ever hooked up in drag?

God no! Drag is fun but not something that makes me feel horny or sexy in any way. I feel powerful and cunty but not horny...

What’s your favorite thing about drag?

The endless creativity of it all. I love making mixes — casting myself in all the roles I've always wanted to play but never could. Also, the family I've made doing drag. I've been so lucky to be embraced so fully by my new community.

What are your hobbies outside of drag?

I have three dogs that keep me busy. Hiking, biking, cannabis, every Housewives and Drag Race franchise airing, and trying new restaurants around Palm Springs.

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Biggest pet peeve about audiences in nightclubs?

I have none! I love the audience in the clubs here. Palm Springs is a drag town and people are happy to be there.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed in a dressing room?

Just girls with sticky fingers taking stuff that doesn't belong to her. And once a few of us accidentally hot-boxed a dressing room without realizing how much the bar would smell.

Any advice for someone wanting to start doing drag?

Go out there and do it! Don't let fear hold you back. Find a mentor and a community and just thrive at your own pace!