Hemlock Grove features several LGBTQ+ characters, including the bisexual Roman Godfrey, the intersex Shelley Godfrey, and the gay Dr. Pryce. Roman's bisexuality is integrated into his complex character without judgment. Shelley's difficult journey for acceptance and agency is handled with empathy. Dr. Pryce's gay identity is normalized. The show's overall dark tone doesn't specifically target LGBTQ+ identities for degradation, resulting in a net positive portrayal.

Hemlock Grove features Shelley Godfrey, a central and sympathetic transsexual woman. Her identity is treated with respect, and her complex character arc emphasizes her humanity and agency despite her unique physical form and the supernatural challenges she faces. The show avoids making her trans identity a source of ridicule or tragedy, instead framing external obstacles.

Christianity is present as a nominal societal backdrop in Hemlock Grove, but the narrative consistently portrays it as irrelevant or powerless against the town's pervasive supernatural horrors and moral corruption. No characters find solace or moral guidance through their faith, and the series offers no counterbalancing positive portrayal of its virtues.