Back in 2019, Sam Smith publicly declared that they were embracing a non-binary identity and adopting they/them pronouns. Even after making that announcement, the Man I Am singer continues to face frequent misgendering and is still referred to by some as “that fella.”
In September 2021, Smith — the Grammy-winning British artist behind hits like Stay With Me — reiterated their pronoun change, calling it a major step in their lifelong journey toward self-acceptance.
“Today feels like the right day,” Smith wrote on X at the time. “I’m changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM. After battling with my gender for so long, I’m finally choosing to accept who I am, inside and out.”
They added an appeal: “I know there will be mistakes and misgendering, but all I ask is that you please try. I hope you can see me the way I see myself now. Thank you.”
“His outfits”
Despite Smith’s clarity, public misgendering continues — often in highly visible moments.
During one Grammy Awards broadcast, an Associated Press reporter repeatedly used male pronouns when discussing Smith’s fashion choices.
“Sam Smith has stirred up plenty of conversation with his outfits this year,” the reporter said, according to the Independent. “I love that he’s continuing to break the mold and shift away from the Sam Smith we knew from the ballad era… You can see it not just in his music but in his looks as well.”
“Ridiculous”
Soon after, singer and activist Bob Geldof faced criticism for also referring to Smith as “he” multiple times during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning. Hosts Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield did not correct him, frustrating many viewers.
“Holly and Phil should have stepped in — ridiculous,” one person wrote, per The Mirror.
Another commented: “He’s on national TV talking about Sam Smith. Surely someone could have briefed him or corrected him. Painful to watch.”
Others chimed in with their own commentary, including: “Hand back the ‘Best Male’ awards you won and profited from, and then we’ll talk, Sam.”
“That fella”
More recently, presenter Lorraine Kelly came under fire for repeatedly misgendering Smith while discussing their Barbie premiere outfit with guest Vogue Williams. Kelly used male pronouns several times.
“It’s too big for him,” Kelly said. “If he were my son, I’d tell him, ‘That’s far too big on you’… He knows exactly what he’s doing, that fella.”
Williams, however, used the correct pronouns, noting that Smith would “definitely stand out on the red carpet.”
“He’s a bloke”
Online reactions were swift.
“Not Lorraine misgendering Sam Smith over and over!!” one person wrote, according to The Independent. Another added: “I guess Lorraine missed the memo about Sam Smith and their pronouns.”
Some defended Kelly, however, arguing that Smith “looks like a man,” while another person joked: “What a bigot — she knows they’re not a he but a chubby them or they… I’ve already lost track.”
“Everyone messes up”
Speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Smith explained what changing their pronouns has meant. “It felt like coming home,” they said. “I wish I’d known these words when I was in school — I would have identified as this then, because it’s who I’ve always been.”
Recognizing that adjusting vocabulary can be difficult, even for them, Smith added: “Changing language habits is hard. Everyone slips up. I’ll probably be misgendered for the rest of my life.”
They emphasized that their pronouns are about wellbeing: “This shift makes me feel safer, happier, and more comfortable. If I can live my life with a little more comfort and joy, then it’s worth it.”