heartonju

I was pleasantly surprised by how vocally feminist this show was beyond just the main character. It's not just about a woman making merit for herself through her own prowess and worth, it's about someone making way for other women to take control of their own lives and choose their own paths.
He Yan has lived her whole life following rules and the will others imposed on her, so she knows firsthand what it's liked to be oppressed, even when doing something she ultimately enjoys and wants to do for herself. She pushes for women's rights and freedom constantly and she convinces many by being the leading example.

As for the "gay rights" part, this is obviously a Chinese drama so Chinese censorship applies. However, this unintentionally carries a very gay message. Since the FMC is forced to live as a man for most of the story, there are many instances in which it ends up looking like a gay couple during moments of tension and charged looks between her and the MMC.
What's more is that Xiao Jue caught feelings for her before knowing she was a woman, so it's accidental bi representation.
It's very much like Mulan and Li Shang, as a friend of mine pointed out to me.