However, Beamdog's additions introduce explicit progressive elements: new companions Dorn Il-Khan (bisexual half-orc blackguard romancable by either protagonist gender) and Hexxat (lesbian vampire thief romancable only by female protagonists), plus Neera and Rasaad with their own restrictions. These same-sex options are absent from the originals and function as focal subplots with dedicated quests.

Siege of Dragonspear (tied to the BG1 EE) adds Mizhena, a trans woman NPC whose dialogue explicitly describes her transition and name choice. Writer Amber Scott stated intent to counter perceived sexism in the originals by upgrading female characters and consciously adding diversity, describing herself as an "SJW" aiming to reflect more identities.

These changes influence casting of new companions and romance arcs without altering the core Bhaalspawn premise. Reception included review-bombing of SoD over Mizhena and a Minsc "ethics in heroic adventuring" line parodying Gamergate, highlighting audience pushback against the framing.