Carnival Row features a prominent lesbian relationship between Tourmaline Larou and Vignette Stonemoss. Their bond is depicted with dignity, complexity, and genuine affection, facing external societal and personal challenges rather than internal struggles related to their queer identity. The show portrays them as multifaceted characters with agency, contributing positively to LGBTQ+ representation.

The dominant human religion in The Burgue, though unnamed, functions as a state-backed monotheistic faith with clear Christian parallels in its iconography and institutional structure. The film portrays its institutions and adherents, particularly those in power, as hypocritical and using religious rhetoric to justify xenophobia and oppression against the fae. The narrative critiques this religion as a tool for social control.