Well, they either:
a. Don't think he is but use it as a slander against him or
b. Have tremendously poor eyesight because I am legally blind and could both see the dialogue was stating him a male and his face is not feminine at all. He has long hair, good hips and a thong. Thongs are very attractive on attractive human beings be they male or female. Besides, male or female, he be the best villain in FF history.
"Farewell my sweet, lovable morons."