Sexuality
Sexuality is one of the most important themes of this novel. It is clear that Annie did not go through a heavy struggle as Liza did, since Liza did not know that she is homosexual until she found herself in love with Annie. It is a very confusing and scary process to for her realise that she is somehow different from the norm. This also highlights the fact that instead of an anctive choice, homosexuality is inherent for some people.
Homosexuality, or female sexuality in general, is often an awkward and taboo subject to discuss. Due to this, lesbian literature usually lacks physical passion. Although there is much more to Liza and Annie's relationship than physical passion, it is a part of it, and by describing it, shows that they do have the right to feel and experience it.
Love
In this novel, most people treats homosexuality like it is a "sexual perversion" that is limited to lust and physical attraction. During the school board trial, Liza's sexual life was scrutinized as if she had no right to privacy. She was only asked questions about what she did with Annie instead of how she feels about Annie, which demonstrates that people do not understand that homosexual relationships are based on emotional love just like any heterosexual relationships.
About halfway through the novel, Liza felt connected to a story by Plato, about how every human use to be attached to another human called their other half, until one day God got angry and splitted everyone, leaving every person in search for their other half. The story never specified the gender a person's other half has to be, meaning that homosexual relationships are also valid in this sense. This shows that love and spiritual connection is always possible no matter which gender a person loves.
Self Exploration and Acceptance
This novel demonstrates that it takes knowing, understanding, then accepting who you really are to find true happiness. Annie always knew she was different, but it took Liza a while to figure it out and make up her mind about what she really wants. Liza eventually reunited with Annie and felt happiness by accepting the fact that she is homosexual instead of denying her own sexual identity. She realized that being herself is far more important than being perceived as perfect by someone else's standard. The main lesson here is to follow your heart and to find the inner that tells you who you are and what you want.
Social Status
The social environment Liza and Annie each face is very different in comparison. While Annie lives in a shabby neighbourhood and goes to a problematic school, Liza comes from an upper middle-class family and goes to private school. For Liza, her parents have high expectations for her and there is paramount social pressure to keep up a perfect appearance, even if it is not genuine. It is also interesting to see how quickly Liza's seemingly liberal parents change their attitude about homosexuality when once it is right in front them. It is very hard for anyone to overcome the pressures of social status, but Liza's love for Annie eventually conqured all obstacles.