The film portrays LGBTQ+ characters, notably Ms. Rain and Nurse John, as compassionate, supportive figures crucial to the protagonist's journey. While homophobic abuse is depicted, it is clearly condemned as part of the antagonist's cruelty, ultimately affirming the worth and positive impact of queer individuals.

The film "Precious" is an adaptation of the novel "Push" by Sapphire. In the source material, a significant character, Nurse John McFadden, is male. In the film, this role is portrayed by the female character Ms. Weiss, constituting a gender swap.

The film portrays Christianity through the deeply hypocritical and abusive actions of Precious's mother, Mary, who weaponizes religious rhetoric. However, the narrative unequivocally condemns Mary's behavior, positioning the audience to recognize her actions as a perversion of faith rather than an indictment of Christianity itself. The film implicitly affirms values of compassion and redemption, which are often associated with the faith, through the positive influence of other characters.