4 hours ago
WNBA Stars Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison Celebrate Love and Visibility with New York Liberty
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
When Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison, both standout players for the New York Liberty, publicly acknowledged their relationship, it was a moment that resonated far beyond basketball. Their partnership, openly celebrated throughout the 2025 WNBA season, represents a milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports and offers a powerful example of authenticity for fans and athletes alike. The couple's openness has been documented in media coverage, social media posts, and official Liberty content, including a recent video that captured Harrison and Cloud enjoying time together outside of games.
Visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports has historically been limited due to stigma and concerns about acceptance, both within locker rooms and among fans. The WNBA has long been recognized as one of the most inclusive professional leagues in North America, but each new athlete who comes out or shares their truth publicly helps push the conversation further. Cloud and Harrison join a growing list of WNBA players—past and present—who have served as role models for younger LGBTQ+ people seeking to see themselves represented at the highest levels of sport.
In interviews, Cloud has spoken passionately about the importance of supporting teammates and fighting for equality—not just for themselves, but for the next generation of women and LGBTQ+ athletes. “This is a huge moment, a pivotal moment in the W's history and the trajectory of where we go moving forward,” Cloud said in a recent post-game interview, emphasizing the collective push for progress both on and off the court.
The 2025 season has been a notable one for the New York Liberty. On the court, the team has delivered standout performances, including a dominant 98–77 win over the Indiana Fever. Off the court, Cloud and Harrison have taken on leadership roles within the player’s union and in advocacy for fair pay and equitable treatment for WNBA players. Their efforts have included participation in pivotal meetings with league officials to push for better revenue sharing and improved working conditions, further cementing their status as both athletic and social leaders.
The Liberty’s culture of inclusion is evident in the support shown by teammates and the organization, with fellow players and staff frequently expressing solidarity with LGBTQ+ athletes. The Liberty’s social media channels have also featured Cloud and Harrison together, highlighting moments of celebration and camaraderie—both as teammates and as a couple.
Fan reaction to Cloud and Harrison’s relationship has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for their courage and authenticity. Social media posts featuring the couple often receive supportive comments, and Liberty games have seen a visible increase in LGBTQ+ fans and pride-themed events. This growing visibility is significant in a sporting world where athletes’ personal lives have not always been met with acceptance.
Organizations such as Athlete Ally and GLAAD have praised the couple’s openness, noting the broader impact of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream sports. “When players like Natasha and Isabelle share their truth, it helps to break down barriers for the entire community,” said a spokesperson for Athlete Ally in a recent statement.
The WNBA has a history of supporting LGBTQ+ players and fans, with Pride Nights, inclusive marketing, and partnerships with advocacy organizations. In recent years, the league has taken concrete steps to foster an environment where athletes of all identities feel welcome. The WNBA’s official platforms regularly spotlight LGBTQ+ stories and initiatives, and several teams, including the Liberty, have marched in Pride parades and hosted community outreach programs focused on inclusion.
According to Outsports, a leading publication covering LGBTQ+ issues in athletics, the Liberty’s approach to visibility and inclusion aligns with ongoing league-wide efforts to ensure that all players have the opportunity to be their authentic selves.
As the 2025 WNBA season enters its final stretch, Cloud and Harrison continue to represent the Liberty with distinction on the court—and as trailblazers for LGBTQ+ inclusion off it. Their story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the ongoing evolution of professional sports as a space for all identities.
Their visibility, leadership, and willingness to speak out make Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison role models for the next generation of athletes and fans, furthering progress toward a more inclusive and affirming future for sports and society.
