The film includes prominent LGBTQ elements through Mercury's same-sex relationships and fluid attractions, but these are framed traditionally as sources of personal turmoil, excess, and relational conflict rather than celebratory identity exploration or critiques of systemic norms. Criticisms focus on sanitization, inaccuracy, and negative associations of queerness with self-destruction or betrayal, not on activist messaging or forced inclusion.

Casting Rami Malek (Egyptian descent) as the Parsi-born Mercury draws minor ethnicity notes but no source-material swaps of established characters. No evidence of DEI mandates, overt social justice lectures, or creator emphasis on challenging traditional norms; the narrative prioritizes music, band dynamics, and classic biopic drama. Audience and critic pushback centers on historical liberties and handling of sexuality as insufficiently affirming, indicating the progressive aspects remain incidental and non-central rather than foundational or overwhelming.