The film's primary depiction of same-sex relations is through the lens of prison power dynamics, coercion, and sexual assault. It portrays a predatory inmate exploiting another character for protection and status, presenting same-sex activity as a traumatic and degrading experience rather than an expression of identity or love.

The film features Big Al, a trans woman inmate whose portrayal is problematic. She is depicted as a powerful figure in prison who demands sexual favors for protection, reinforcing stereotypes of trans women in exploitative contexts without offering a counterbalancing affirming perspective.

The film portrays Christianity, specifically Catholicism, as an integral part of the Chicano cultural identity and a source of moral guidance or potential redemption for characters, particularly within the challenging prison environment. While individual characters may struggle with their faith or act contrary to its teachings, the film's narrative does not critique the religion itself but rather the choices and struggles of its adherents. The presence of chaplains and religious iconography often serves as a backdrop for characters seeking solace or contemplating their actions.