I am a female and I have no preference. I care whether or not they are good at their job. Any initial awkwardness I might have in discussing some topics with a male therapist goes away if he is good at his job and I myself am sincere in wanting to get better. That being said, I DO appreciate how important it is for one to choose their therapist on whatever terms are important to them. I know someone in therapy that prefers to work with a professional that has faith in God.