Multiple character arcs foreground queer experiences: Jessi develops a fascination with women and connections to Leah and Lulu; Matthew delves deeper into his gay identity, questioning sexual positions and bonding with Caleb; Jay navigates bisexual relationships with Lola and Matthew. Missy’s storyline involves her asexual boyfriend Elijah, highlighted as a rare Black asexual character.

These elements drive subplots and emotional beats across episodes like the international puberty show and high school transitions. The recasting of established character Missy from Jenny Slate to Ayo Edebiri (starting season 4 and continuing here) was explicitly driven by identity politics and accusations of erasure, meeting the floor for confirmed established-character changes. Creators have repeatedly stated intent to prioritize representation, sex education on gender/sexuality spectra, and challenging norms, with staff diversity emphasized post-controversies. While the core premise remains raunchy puberty comedy rather than pure activism, the progressive framing of identity as central to character development and the show's appeal makes these elements significant and influential rather than incidental.