Sam Smith embraces non-binary pronouns

After recently coming out as non-binary, British hitmaker Sam Smith has announced that they no longer want to be referred to as ‘him’ or ‘he’.

In March, the British singer and songwriter revealed that they don’t consider themselves a specific gender and identify as “non-binary genderqueer.”

Smith explained at the time: “I am not male or female. I think I float somewhere in between — somewhat on the spectrum.”

On Friday, Smith took to social media to tell the world their preferred pronouns going forward.

“Today is a good day so here goes,” they tweeted. “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…”

Smith said they’d been “very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but fuck it!”

The 27-year-old star continued: “I understand there will be many mistakes and misgendering but all I ask is you please please try. I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you.”

Smith thanked the “activists and leaders of the non-binary/trans community that have helped me and given me so much clarity and understanding.”

The chart-topper added: “Love you all. I’m scared shitless, but feeling super free right now. Be kind x.”

While the usage of singular gender-neutral pronouns like ‘they’, ‘their’ and ‘them’ may seem unusual to some, the practice has a long history (dating back to the 14th century) and has become increasingly accepted today.

Smith first came out in 2014, identifying as gay, when they revealed that the album In the Lonely Hour was “about a guy that I fell in love with last year, and he didn’t love me back.” They added that being gay is “as normal as my right arm.”

After winning the best original song Oscar for Writing’s on the Wall in 2016, Smith dedicated the award “to the LGBT community all around the world,” and said, “I hope that we can all stand together as equals one day.”

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… pic.twitter.com/IVoLTYbAWd

— Sam Smith (@samsmith) September 13, 2019