Does gender really matter when finding a friend?

This isn't a rant on how girls get more replies than guys or how girls get lots of creepy post, etc. I'm genuinely curious as to why sub-reddits like this and other friend-related subs focus so much on gender? I mean if someone is really looking for friends, then shouldn't their interests and personality be the most important factor?(lots of thinly veiled dating profiles/vague, low effort post lately too) Yes, I know girls/guys come looking for other girls/guys. I understand that, but I mean outside of that. Again, just curious about other people's take on this.