Money Heist offers a positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Palermo and Helsinki are central figures whose queer identities are depicted with dignity, complexity, and agency. Their relationships and emotional arcs are integral to the narrative, contributing significantly to the show's themes of love, loss, and found family without relying on stereotypes or problematic tropes.

Money Heist features Manila, a trans woman, as a significant member of the heist crew. Her character is depicted with dignity, complexity, and agency, contributing actively to the plot. The show integrates her trans identity respectfully into her backstory and relationships, without it being a source of mockery or central conflict. The portrayal is affirming, focusing on her skills and personal journey.

The show features Manila, a member of the heist crew, who engages in and wins a direct physical confrontation against a male opponent, Arturo Román, through hand-to-hand combat.