In 1972 Norma Kristie was crowned the first Miss Gay America. A beautiful and talented contestant from Arkansas, Norma Kristie won the title and will forevermore be known as Miss Gay America Emeritus.

Norman Jones a/k/a Norma Kristie helped to promote the pageant until 1975 when he purchased the rights to the contest from the original owner Jerry Peek. Incorporating the business as Norma Kristie, Inc, Norman Jones proudly promoted the Official Miss Gay America Pageant and its network of preliminary pageants across the nation for over 30 years, while in the process making it the most successful longest running pageant in the country.

Every female impersonator has dreamed of becoming Miss Gay America. Norma Kristie made that dream a possibility for thousands of talented people. Norma Kristie kept the Miss Gay America Pageant alive for over 3 decades, retiring in 2005. Her sense of style, grace, and dedication will forever make her a shining star in the Miss Gay America family. She truly represents Miss Gay America……where illusion, integrity, professionalism and talent become one!!