Some of the first gay bars and clubs were introduced in the early 1950’s, though homosexuality was considered illegal in some places still. These places allowed drag culture to thrive underground and be protected like an old speakeasy. As time went by drag culture grew and grew until drag began to become mainstream again. Drag was no longer just seen as something negative. Drag was seen as a comedic relief and entertainment to the general public. Drag characters began to pop up in TV shows, movies, and even back into theater like in the hit musical Hairspray where the role of Edna, the main characters mom, is traditionally played by a man.