Picture a queer, non-binary filmmaker and comic book creator spinning vibrant stories that pulse with humor, heart, and fierce representation—meet Carly Usdin! Born in 1982, this Los Angeles-based storyteller has carved a unique path in young adult literature and media, championing LGBTQ+ voices through works like the award-winning film Suicide Kale and the beloved comic series Heavy Vinyl. With a knack for blending comedy, empowerment, and queer joy, Usdin’s creations resonate with readers and viewers worldwide.
Through their production company, Scheme Machine Studios, co-founded with their wife Robin, Usdin crafts groundbreaking projects that challenge norms and celebrate diversity. Their work isn’t just entertainment—it’s a bold call for inclusivity, wrapped in a playful, nostalgic vibe that feels like a warm hug from the ’90s.
The Making of Carly Usdin
Raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Carly Usdin grew up in a Jewish household, discovering their lesbian identity at 16 and coming out at 20. Their passion for storytelling led them to the University of Central Florida, where they earned a bachelor’s degree in film. Early in their career, Usdin honed their skills at Viacom Media Networks, creating award-winning promo campaigns for RuPaul’s Drag Race and producing music series like NewNowNext. This vibrant media background set the stage for their leap into narrative filmmaking and comic book writing, fueled by a desire to tell queer, authentic stories.
Carly Usdin’s Unforgettable Stories
Usdin’s debut feature, Suicide Kale (2016), is a dark comedy about love, relationships, and mental health that struck a chord at film festivals. Starring Brittani Nichols and Jasika Nicole, it won the Audience Award for Best First Dramatic Feature at Outfest and played at over 30 festivals worldwide. Its witty dialogue and raw emotional depth showcased Usdin’s ability to balance humor with heavy themes, earning critical acclaim.
In comics, Usdin teamed up with illustrator Nina Vakueva to create Heavy Vinyl (originally Hi-Fi Fight Club, 2017), a queer YA series set in a ’90s New Jersey record store. The story follows Chris, a queer teen who uncovers an all-female vigilante fight club among her coworkers. Nominated for a 2018 Prism Award, Heavy Vinyl blends girl power, sapphic romance, and retro vibes, earning praise as one of Thrillist’s 25 best comics of 2018. Its follow-up, Heavy Vinyl: Y2KO (2020), continued the adventure. Usdin’s second series, The Avant-Guards (2019), illustrated by Noah Hayes, follows a transfer student joining a fledgling basketball team at an all-girls performing arts college. Nominated for a 2020 GLAAD Award, it’s a heartwarming tale of friendship and queer identity.
Usdin’s style is unmistakable: vibrant, character-driven narratives that weave humor, nostalgia, and empowerment. Their work often centers queer and trans experiences, capturing the messy, joyful essence of youth with a cinematic flair that feels like a love letter to ’90s teen movies.
Why Carly Usdin Matters
Carly Usdin’s impact lies in their fearless commitment to LGBTQ+ representation. Through Suicide Kale, Heavy Vinyl, and The Avant-Guards, they’ve created spaces where queer teens see themselves as heroes, not sidekicks. Their comics, praised for relatable characters and diverse casts, have inspired a new generation of YA readers, while their films amplify marginalized voices in Hollywood. Usdin’s work with Scheme Machine Studios continues to push boundaries, from the sports comedy series The Syd + TP Show to the queer rom-com First Date for Hello Sunshine. By blending absurdist comedy with heartfelt storytelling, Usdin is reshaping media to be more inclusive and vibrant.
- Born: 1982, Monmouth County, New Jersey
- Key Works: Suicide Kale, Heavy Vinyl, The Avant-Guards, The Syd + TP Show
- Awards: Outfest Audience Award (2016), LA Diversity Film Festival Best Director (2019)
Ready to dive into Carly Usdin’s colorful world? Grab Heavy Vinyl or stream Suicide Kale for a dose of queer joy and ’90s nostalgia!