What If "Hairspray" Is Deeper Than We Thought?

What if there was more substance to our favourite character than we had initially realised?

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We've all seen 2007's musical adaptation of "Hairspray" starring Zac Efron...

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...and a host of other stars; Amanda Bynes (we miss you), Queen Latifah (God Latifah) and introducing Nikki Blonsky (still waiting...)

If you haven't seen it - you're truly missing out. It's got singing, dancing, a perfect anti-segregation message, and did I mention it had Zac Efron?

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And of course it's got Edna Turnblad.

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Edna Turnblad is the feisty, ham-enjoying matriarch of the movie played by the wickedly talented Jim Tramoldov. Edna has traditionally always been played by a male actor, ever since the original movie in 1988 featured the drag performer Divine in the role. However, what if the consistency of males in the role isn't a nod to the original film and the drag community, but an intentional device to suggest that Edna Turnblad is actually a trans woman.

Bear with me.

Edna is shown from the start to be fearful of leaving her home, fearing how the neighbours would comment on her appearance. Being trans in the 1950's was very much stigmatized so it would be fitting that she wouldn't wish to leave her house. Perhaps Edna is body conscious because she is trans and has spent her life since 1951 in hiding; eating ham and leaving the iron on.

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The song "Welcome to the 60's" features Edna, Tracey and Mr Pinky exploring what it's like to embrace being a woman in the 1960's. This is a pivotal moment in the movie as we see Edna feeling increasingly more confident. There are several lines throughout this song, which have a deeper meaning if you consider that she could be trans.

"So let go, so, go of the past now
Say hello to the light in your eyes."

"Welcome to the rhythm of a brand new day
Take your old-fashioned fears
And just throw them away"

"Dontcha let nobody
Try to steal your fun
'Cause a little touch of lipstick
Never hurt no one"

"The future's got a million roads
For you to choose
But you'll walk a little taller
In some high-heeled shoes"

This song gave Edna the courage to embrace herself and really embrace being a woman. Perhaps her first chance since she began her transition?

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The key line "Welcome to the 60's" itself could have a further depth. The 1960's was a big decade for transgender activism with the Compton's Cafeteria Riot in 1966 and of course the Stonewall Riots in 1969, of which trans woman Miss Major Griffin-Gracy had a key leadership role. So maybe this song is referring to a potentially big decade for Edna.

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The movie ends (spoiler alert) with Edna having the confidence to dance her big booty off on live television. We learn that all she needed to do was accept herself, and accept progressive thought and she could truly embrace life - through song and dance.

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This is, of course, all speculation. Whether this makes sense or is total rubbish is debatable - but we love Edna regardless, just as much as she came to love herself. Go and rewatch Hairspray (because, why not!) and consider the alternative story for Edna.

Four for you Edna Turnblad, you go Edna Turnblad.