Natasha Cloud, the formidable point guard for the New York Liberty, seemingly has it all: a thriving WNBA career, unwavering confidence, and a loving relationship with her girlfriend and teammate, Isabelle Harrison. Her radiant self-assurance, however, 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 a white family. She recounts a pivotal moment at age 12 when her mother revealed the truth about her biological father, a conversation that reshaped her understanding of self. Despite the initial shock, Cloud emphasizes the profound love and acceptance she received from her parents, Emil and Sharon Cloud, which became the bedrock of her identity.
**Anna Martin:** Natasha Cloud, welcome to “Modern Love.”
**Natasha Cloud:** Thank you for having me.
Cloud, a self-proclaimed “sore loser” even in games like Uno, discusses the intensity of professional sports and how she manages frustration after losses. She practices a calming meditation technique—inhaling for six, holding for one, exhaling for seven—and often defers to her teammates to speak first in tough moments, understanding the importance of collective leadership.
Her childhood narrative highlights her innocence regarding her mixed-race identity, often comparing her skin tone to her tanning father. This blissful ignorance ended around age 12 when a frank discussion with her mother shed light on her origins. Her mother’s honesty and her father’s unconditional love grounded her. At 18, given the option to learn about her biological father, she chose to know his name and location, but opted not to seek a relationship, firmly believing he didn’t deserve access to the life her loving parents had provided. This experience profoundly influenced her strong sense of self and her activism.
**Martin:** It sounds like these are skills you had to learn. You were maybe not this way when you were younger.
**Cloud:** No.
**Martin:** Is there a story you can share of young Tash, in sports or not, experiencing an adversity or hardship, and how you reacted with that fire?
**Cloud:** I feel like I’m about to go deep with this question. I think the very beginning for me and my story is that my mom is my real mom, my dad would technically be my stepdad, but that’s not who he is to me. That is my real father. Emil Cloud is the man that took me in and raised me and gave me everything that I needed to be successful in life, and the same with my mom. I’m the only one of mixed race in my family. … I truly never felt different in my family. I was so innocent.
Cloud’s college years at the University of Maryland were transformative. Immersed in the campus’s vibrant diversity, she explored her Black identity, something she hadn’t fully experienced in her predominantly white upbringing. This journey led her to proudly embrace being a Black woman, a realization that enriched her already strong mixed-race identity. She hopes her story validates other mixed-race youth navigating similar questions.
Returning home from college, her family initially needed a moment to adjust to the “new Tash”—an adult navigating her identity with newfound radical pride. Yet, their deep love allowed them to meet her where she was. She recounts the significance of coming out as gay to her family, and their acceptance, without a single negative word, reinforced their profound bond. Cloud emphasizes that her parents, despite their different life experiences, always made an effort to understand and walk through life with her.
Cloud also speaks candidly about her personal journey with sexuality, confessing she spent years “faking being straight.” She didn’t begin dating women until her early 20s, after a long-term relationship with a childhood sweetheart. She realized she was queer while in the WNBA, surrounded by empowered, independent women who were unapologetic about their identities. However, she initially identified as bisexual publicly due to professional pressures, noting that openly gay or masculine-presenting athletes often faced a lack of sponsorship opportunities, as companies believed they couldn’t appeal to a male demographic. This changed for her around age 24, when she prioritized authenticity. Her play on the court even improved, as if shedding a burden unleashed her full potential.
**Martin:** When did it feel more important to you to be true to yourself? When were you ready to risk that money or that sponsorship?
**Cloud:** I would say probably, like, 24. I just felt really rooted in myself — even when I came out, my play got better on the court, like I was torching people. It was almost like I was, like, the Hulk that just got his superpowers, right?
Today, she celebrates being called a “Liberty lesbian” and reflects on the league’s slow but growing recognition of the diverse demographics of its athletes. Cloud shares the story of meeting Isabelle Harrison, whom she playfully calls a “100 out of 10.” Despite Cloud’s initial attempts being rebuffed, Harrison eventually made a move, and their first deep conversation about family, morals, and values solidified their connection. Cloud describes Izzy as her equal, a partner who “doesn’t need you, but wants you,” reflecting the rooted love she learned from her parents.
Playing on the same team as her partner, Isabelle, brings unique challenges. They are intentional about maintaining professionalism in the locker room, ensuring their relationship doesn’t hinder team success. They have separate apartments, respecting Izzy’s need for personal space, a contrast to Cloud’s self-described “golden retriever/pit bull” clinginess. This deliberate approach allows them to be “Tash and Izzy” as individuals during work hours, and “Tizzy” at home. Cloud finds immense joy and pride in watching Izzy excel on the court, a reflection of the deep self-love and confidence she now embodies in all aspects of her life.
**Cloud:** Yeah, I love myself. I think two weeks ago I said that for the first time out loud. And I remember just sitting down in my apartment and there’s a little mirror that is like right across, and I looked at myself and I was like, I really f*** with who I am. I love myself. I love myself very thoroughly. I love my gay, masculine presenting, mixed, Blackity Black, Black, Black. I love me.