The Fool (spoilers for all RotE books, including LST)

[Valarya]

Namely, should the gender you are perceived as change how a person feels about you and can you truly be sure that they love you for you and not just because you are the opposite gender?

This. I think out of every little discussion on the Fool's gender, one should remember this point. That, in the end, it doesn't matter at all... and it doesn't change the way he and Fitz feel about one another.

I think there are several moments in Fool's Quest where you can tell Hobb is really tired of the speculation, where she wishes readers would just give up wondering and caring and love Fool for who he is as a character and who he is to Fitz. When I get home later I'll look up specific examples where she skirts the issue so pointedly as to almost admonish anyone who ever gave a shit.

Personally, I think Beloved is Male (based on stories from the Servants, the Pale Woman & Fitz). But actually, I just really don't care. Fool is Fool and I love him regardless.