Sam Smith responds to reports that BRIT Awards will keep gender-based categories this year

Singer came out as non-binary in 2019

Sam Smith has issued a statement in response to reports that the BRIT Awards is keeping its gender-based categories.

The “Stay With Me” singer – who came out as non-binary in 2019 and changed their pronouns to they/them – has expressed disappointment at the unconfirmed reports.

Stories have emerged claiming that this year’s awards – due to take place in May – will not implement gender-neutral categories despite “a lot of discussion” surrounding the possibility.

Smith shared a message to their Instagram account in response, writing: “The Brits have been an important part of my career; one of my earliest achievements was winning Critics Choice in 2014.”

The 28-year-old added: “Music for me has always been about unification not division. I look forward to a time where awards shows can be reflective of the society we live in.

“Let’s celebrate everybody, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexuality and class.”

Speaking about the possible introduction of gender-neutral categories at the BRITs, a source told The Sun that “scrapping separate male and female awards categories might actually have had more of a negative impact across the board”.

They added: “It’s definitely something that is going to be looked at again in subsequent years.” The reports are yet to be confirmed.

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This summer’s BRIT Awards will, however, implement one change. As a result of a campaign led by singer Rina Sawayama, the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) has changed the rules for the awards in order to allow artists without British citizenship to be eligible if they have resided in the UK for five years or longer.

The Japanese-British singer has been nominated for the BRITs Rising Star Award.

The BRITs will take place on Tuesday 11 May and will be broadcast live on ITV.