Genderbender is a tiny fraction of the scenes and is very much optional. The game does not focus on it in any way there are just a couple of scenes because part of the MC's gimmick is he can modify his body in any way he wants. As for the art, the game is dark and deals with eldritch horrors to it so to me it fits and grows on you. But if you dont like the art that's fair.
In any case back to out of touch - if you decide to play and feel like you want to drop it, it I would recommend playing until chapter 20 if possible. That is a lot to ask because it takes several hours to get to that point but I thought the story improved significantly past that point. I say this because I almost dropped this game but decided to continue because it was a recommendation from someone I know and I am very glad I kept playing. In any case I hope you like the game.
