The season features prominent LGBTQ+ storylines that drive multiple character arcs, including Bea entering a same-sex relationship with Allie Novak after previously identifying as straight, and ongoing elements involving Franky Doyle's romance with Bridget Westfall. Maxine Conway, a transgender woman, appears in key subplots, with Ferguson exploiting slurs about her status to manipulate others. Kaz Proctor is explicitly described as driven by extremist feminist ideology, positioning her as an antagonist whose views clash with Bea's pragmatic leadership.

These elements influence casting and arcs but remain secondary to the core prison drama of violence, manipulation, and survival rather than serving as the foundational premise. Indigenous characters like Doreen Anderson and new inmate Tasha add layers of representation tied to prison dynamics without dominating the narrative. No evidence of race- or gender-swapping established characters, overt lecture moments, or creator statements framing the season as activist messaging; producers emphasize authentic female-world storytelling and normalcy of queer relationships. Audience and critical reception highlights the queer and feminist aspects positively among fans without widespread "woke" backlash or review-bombing tied to ideology.