From the moment Susie Myerson stepped onto the scene in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, managing the Gaslight comedy club, audiences picked up on a distinct queer vibe. Played by Alex Borstein, Susie, with her trousers, fisherman’s hat, and practical shoes, seemed to defy 1960s gender norms, leading many to wonder: is Susie gay? This question has lingered, becoming a central point of discussion among fans and critics alike.
Susie’s connection with Midge Maisel, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, further fueled this speculation. From Midge’s very first comedy set at the Gaslight, marking the beginning of Susie managing her career, the chemistry between them was undeniable, and for many, read as romantic. Over three seasons, Susie and Midge have become the emotional core of the series, leading to Emmy-winner Alex Borstein addressing Susie’s sexuality, albeit without a definitive label, while acknowledging her deep love for Midge.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Borstein responded to the frequent question of Susie’s sexuality, stating, “One thing I like about her is she’s like this fleshy, new-formed baby. It’s interesting that a lot of people who want to know about her sexuality are the same people who would be like, ‘We don’t want it to be labeled.'” She elaborated on Susie’s lack of romantic experience, suggesting, “I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s never even had her first kiss.” However, Borstein unequivocally stated, “She’s absolutely in love with Midge to some degree, but I think she falls in love with minds.”
Despite Midge’s storylines involving male love interests, Mrs. Maisel has faced criticism for its reluctance to delve into Susie’s potential queerness. Critics argue that the dynamic between Midge and Susie, often described as an opposites-attract pairing, is central to the show, yet Susie’s sexual identity remains largely unexplored. This has led to questions about representation and the show’s commitment to fully developing Susie’s character.
Autostraddle directly addressed this in a piece titled [“Make Susie Gay, You Cowards: On The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Lesbian Problem”], urging creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino to confront Susie’s sexuality head-on. Riese Bernard, the author, specifically called out the showrunners for what she perceived as a lack of courage in exploring this aspect of Susie’s identity.
Sherman-Palladino’s response to questions about Susie’s sexuality has been ambiguous. She stated, “I don’t think we don’t know totally,” and alluded to Susie’s nonconformity in the 1960s, saying, “Susie is somebody who, again, did not fit the times. She was not a beauty. Where did Susie fit in with the kind of clothing that she wears and the views that she has?” She further suggested limitations for Susie, stating she’s “never gonna find a husband, have some kids” because “that’s just simply not an option.” Palladino added to the ambiguity, saying, “Once the series came out, everybody was reading into it. That’s our ultimate goal, to get people to read into it what they want to read into it. Make it their own.”
Alex Borstein’s acknowledgment of Susie’s love for Midge, regardless of labels, offers a degree of validation for queer viewers who have long recognized Susie’s queer coding. While the show itself may not explicitly define Susie’s sexuality, Borstein’s insights confirm the depth of Susie’s feelings and the validity of queer interpretations of her character, resonating deeply with audiences seeking representation and nuanced character portrayals.
