Cloud is a boy. This is confirmed by the game's narrative and official sources. He's depicted as a male character throughout the Final Fantasy VII series. While his appearance might be perceived as androgynous by some, his established backstory and character development firmly establish him as male.
Understanding Different Interpretations
While Cloud's gender is definitively male within the Final Fantasy VII canon, some interpretations exist based on specific scenes and fan interpretations:
- Cross-dressing: In certain instances, Cloud adopts a feminine appearance. However, this is a deliberate action within the game's narrative, not a representation of his true gender. Reddit discussions highlight this, with one user noting that even their mother initially perceived Cloud as cross-dressing (https://www.reddit.com/r/FFVIIRemake/comments/t5olba/the_fact_that_even_my_mom_figured_at_first_glance/).
- Androgynous Appearance: Cloud's design might be interpreted as androgynous by some players, leading to confusion about his gender. However, this is a matter of visual interpretation rather than a contradiction to his established identity.
- Character in other contexts: The name "Cloud" is used in various contexts, including children's literature and neutral gender baby products, such as a gender-neutral cloud mobile for cribs (https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Mobile-Crib-Neutral-Bassinet/dp/B0B58WG12H). This usage doesn't affect the established gender of Cloud Strife in the Final Fantasy VII universe.
Conclusion
The question regarding Cloud's gender is clarified through official game sources and established lore. While interpretations may vary based on visual presentation or specific scenes, Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII is unequivocally male.
