Sam Smith announces decision to use gender-neutral pronouns: 'I've decided to embrace myself for who I am'

Singer-songwriter identifies as non-binary

Sam Smith announces decision to use gender-neutral pronouns (Getty)

Sam Smith has announced that they are changing their preferred pronouns to the gender-neutral “they” and “them” instead of “he” and “him”.

The singer-songwriter, who identifies as non-binary, shared their decision on Twitter, writing: “Today is a good day so here goes. I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM.

“After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out…”

In subsequent tweets, the 27-year-old said they are “so excited and privileged” to be surrounded by people who support their decision.

“I’ve been very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but f**k it,” the singer continued. “I understand that there will be many mistakes and mis-gendering but all I ask is you please please try. I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you.”

Smith also addressed being non-binary, explaining that they are “at no stage just yet to eloquently speak at length about what it means” but that they “can’t wait for the day that I am”.

“So for now I just want to be VISIBLE and open,” they wrote.

The Stay With Me singer also said they would try their best to explain to those who have questions, before concluding the thread by sharing the names of activists and leaders in the non-binary and transgender community who have helped Smith and given them “so much clarity and understanding”.

Smith’s announcement, which has already been liked more than 9,000 times, has been met with an outpouring of support.

“Love and respect for you Sam,” one person wrote.

Another said: “We love you and we’re so proud.”

Smith has previously opened up about their identity, and what it has meant realising they are non-binary in terms of their self-confidence and self-acceptance.

In June, the singer told British GQ that, until recently, they felt somewhere in the “middle” but weren’t sure how to explain it.

“Ever since I was a little boy, ever since I was a little human, I didn’t feel comfortable being a man really. I never really did. Some days I’ve got my manly side and some days I’ve got my womanly side, but it’s when I’m in the middle of that switch that I get really, really depressed and sad,” Smith said. “Because I don’t know who I am or where I am or what I’m doing, and I feel very misunderstood by myself.

“I realised that’s because I don’t fit into either.”