Natasha Cloud, the powerhouse point guard for the New York Liberty, seems to embody confidence and success, both on and off the court. She shares a loving relationship with her girlfriend and teammate, Isabelle Harrison, a partnership that mirrors the self-assurance she radiates. Yet, this profound sense of self was a hard-won victory.
In a candid conversation with ‘Modern Love’ podcast host Anna Martin, Cloud delves into her unique upbringing as the only mixed-race child in an all-white family. She recounts a pivotal moment at age 12, during a car ride to Blockbuster, when her mother revealed the truth about her biological father. Despite the shock, Natasha’s primary emotion wasn’t anger, but a deeper appreciation for the unconditional love shown by her adoptive father, Emil Cloud, and her mother, Sharon. This profound family bond, rooted in love and acceptance, shaped her perspective on life and relationships, even enabling her to navigate political disagreements with her siblings.
College marked another significant phase of self-discovery. At the University of Maryland, Natasha immersed herself in the diverse campus culture, embracing her Black identity, a side she hadn’t fully explored while growing up in a predominantly white area. Returning home, she found her family receptive to the ‘new Tash,’ demonstrating an admirable willingness to listen and grow with her, even if they didn’t always fully grasp her experiences.
Natasha’s journey of self-acceptance extended to her sexuality. She candidly shares that she spent years ‘faking being straight,’ even publicly identifying as bisexual early in her WNBA career due to professional pressures related to sponsorships and the desire to appeal to a male demographic. However, the supportive environment of the League, surrounded by ‘strong, powerful, badass, independent, outspoken women,’ empowered her to embrace her true identity. She notes that shedding the burden of pretense dramatically improved her performance on the court, likening herself to ‘the Hulk that just got his superpowers.’
Her relationship with Isabelle Harrison, a teammate, blossomed from an initial connection. Natasha recalls Isabelle making the first move, a subtle invitation to ‘hang out’ after a shared self-care massage. Their first deep conversation, touching on family values and life foundations, solidified Natasha’s feelings. She reflects on how this relationship, marked by mutual respect and equal partnership, brought a profound sense of fulfillment she hadn’t experienced before. Both WNBA stars are intentional about maintaining their individual identities and the health of their relationship while playing on the same team, including having separate living spaces and distinct daily schedules. Natasha finds immense joy and pride in watching Isabelle dominate on the court, playfully admitting it’s ‘totally hot.’
Ultimately, Natasha Cloud’s story is one of embracing every facet of her identity—her mixed-race heritage, her queer identity, her competitive spirit—culminating in a powerful declaration: ‘I love myself. I love myself very thoroughly. I love my gay, masculine presenting, mixed, Blackity Black, Black, Black. I love me.’