The film features Sergeant Farrat, a cross-dressing character, whose identity is handled with empathy and respect. The protagonist's acceptance and active support of his self-expression contribute to a net positive portrayal, framing his non-normative gender expression as a source of personal joy rather than shame or ridicule.

The film features Barney McSwiney, a gender non-conforming character, who endures significant prejudice. However, the protagonist's empathetic actions, particularly crafting a dress for him, affirm his identity. His tragic fate underscores the town's cruelty, positioning the film's stance as critical of bigotry and supportive of his worth.

The film portrays the Christian community of Dungatar as deeply hypocritical, judgmental, and cruel, using religious piety to justify their bigotry and ostracism. The narrative critiques the perversion of faith by its adherents rather than the faith itself, but the depiction of its institutions and practices within the film is overwhelmingly negative.