The stories overlap at certain points, but they are for the most part separate. Not playing one of them would mean missing out on a lot of the content. That being said, it's totally playable that way if you prefer!
I mean that would be fine since the female protag has content I have zero interest in. Thanks for the reply. If there was a lesbian only option I'd be all for playing both but it appears there isn't so I'll just play the Male protag for now.