Gotham features prominent LGBTQ+ characters whose relationships are depicted with complexity and agency. Barbara Kean and Tabitha Galavan's romance is explicit and normalized, while Oswald Cobblepot's deep love for Edward Nygma adds significant emotional depth. The show integrates these identities naturally, avoiding harmful stereotypes and affirming the characters' worth within its morally ambiguous narrative.

The show features multiple female characters who engage in direct physical combat. Tabitha Galavan consistently defeats groups of male opponents using martial arts and melee weapons. Barbara Kean also demonstrates capability in physical fights against men.

Hugo Strange, a character consistently depicted as white in the comics, is portrayed by an Asian-American actor. Additionally, Talia al Ghul, canonically Middle Eastern, is portrayed by a white actress.