This is not incidental but a focal season-long subplot paired with Missy's church visits and purity events that critique traditional religious norms around sex. Additional layers include hormone monsters raised genderless until they choose, illustrated by a musical number detailing the gender identity spectrum, and ongoing queer storylines such as Matthew and Jay's relationship dynamics.

Executive producers stated the season reflects accelerated cultural conversations on sexuality and gender, prioritizing 'honest' inclusion of underrepresented identities like asexuality over prior seasons' focus. These elements drive multiple episodes and character development, elevating identity exploration as a core narrative driver alongside the show's puberty premise.