Catfish: The TV Show frequently includes LGBTQ+ individuals in its stories of online deception. Their identities are presented as a neutral fact of their lives, not as the central theme or source of conflict. The show maintains a consistent focus on the emotional impact of catfishing, treating all participants with empathy regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, resulting in an incidental portrayal.

The show occasionally features transgender individuals as 'catfishers,' where their gender identity is part of the deception. The narrative often frames these revelations as shocking twists, leading to feelings of betrayal from the deceived. This portrayal, focused on deceit and its dramatic exposure, can inadvertently reinforce problematic stereotypes linking trans identity with misrepresentation rather than affirming it.