Sam Smith says they weren’t prepared for ‘ridicule’ and ‘bullying’ after coming out as non-binary

‘Gender, for me, has been nothing but traumatising,’ says singer

Sam Smith has said they weren’t prepared for the “ridicule” they faced from the public after coming out as non-binary.

The musician announced their decision to change their pronouns to they/them in September 2019.

Now, in an interview with CBS This Morning, Smith has opened up about the challenges they faced in the weeks following their announcement.

“Queer people all around the world, we don’t identify within those two places,” the 28-year-old said of traditional gender identities. 

“Gender, for me, has been nothing but traumatising and challenging throughout my life. It’s so hard to explain. I just feel like myself. I don’t feel like a man, basically.”

Smith continued by explaining how much courage it took for them to come out.

“I honestly can’t express to enough people how much courage it’s taken,” they said.

"I wasn’t prepared for the amount of ridicule and bullying, really, that I’ve experienced. 

“The comments and the types of things that I have to answer and walk through every day is very, very intense.”

However, one year on, Smith said that they are finding it easier now that they have spoken in more detail about their decision.

“It’s going so much better. After being able to talk about my gender expression. I feel such a weight has been lifted.”

Smith’s comments come after they revealed their desire to have children by the age of 35.

The “I Feel Love” singer said they want to start a family soon and watch their children grow .During an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, Smith said: “I want kids. I want all of it. I want to have kids.

“I want to be with the kids and I want to watch them grow and be with them every day. I want to be mummy.”

Smith continued: “I'm definitely going to do that at some point, but I've still got more in me. I've still got ambition."