There is homophobic behaviour, such as police setting up surveillance on two men whom they perceive as behaving inappropriately, and referring to them disparagingly as "homos". A woman's sexuality is criticised by a family member as being "perverted" and "diseased". Other gay characters who have kept their sexuality a secret speak about their fears and the consequences of coming out, such as estrangement from family, and comment on entrenched homophobic attitudes in society. The work does not condone such discrimination, but rather uses the experiences of the gay characters to promote tolerance and understanding.