"Glen or Glenda" explores transvestism through its protagonist's internal struggles and societal pressures, aiming to foster understanding and acceptance. Despite its melodramatic style and some dated conflations, the film's ultimate message is one of empathy and validation for gender non-conformity, culminating in a supportive resolution.

Edward D. Wood Jr.'s film is a pioneering, albeit clumsy, attempt to explore cross-dressing and transsexuality. Its efforts to foster understanding and acceptance for its time are significant, but these are largely counterbalanced by sensationalized depictions, medical inaccuracies, and a tendency to frame gender identity as a 'problem,' resulting in a net neutral impact.

The film frequently employs Christian-influenced moral language and appeals to divine understanding and compassion to advocate for tolerance towards transvestites. While implicitly critiquing societal judgment that may stem from conservative religious views, the narrative frames this judgment as wrong, aligning with a more affirming and inclusive interpretation of faith.