The film includes a brief, problematic depiction of a same-sex encounter involving the violent character Begbie. This scene contributes to his overall villainous portrayal, associating the act with his depravity rather than offering any nuanced or affirming representation of LGBTQ+ identity. The net impact is negative.

Trainspotting features a transsexual drug dealer, Mother Superior, depicted with agency in the criminal underworld. However, a significant scene portrays protagonist Renton reacting with extreme shock and disgust upon discovering his sexual partner is transsexual. This moment, played for dark humor, leverages harmful stereotypes and contributes to a net negative portrayal by presenting trans identity as a source of revulsion without narrative critique.