Sam Smith feels ‘so much pleasure sexually and personally’ by identifying as non-binary

Singer changed pronouns to they/them in 2019

Sam Smith has opened up about how they feel since publicly coming out as non-binary.

Speaking with Fearne Cotton on her “Happy Place” podcast this week, the 28-year-old singer said they feel so much more pleasure now that they live their life unapologetically.

“I have to say, being non-binary my whole life, I feel so much pleasure, sexually, personally, all these things. I move and express myself in ways that are just wonderful,” Smith said.

They went on to implore others to embrace who they really are and not stifle their own self-expression.

“I do see people restrict themselves sometimes into this corner because that’s what they’re been told to do and that’s what they think is correct,” Smith explained.

“If you want to wear some heels and a skirt and you want to dance…if you want to express yourself in a certain way, why would you deny yourself that pleasure, because it’s ‘gay’ or because ‘that’s too queer’."

They continued: “It’s about trying to be limitless I think, and to be limitless you have to dare greatly, right? And be ready for it to go wrong sometimes or feel weird. I can’t express enough to people the freedom you feel from just enjoying your body and enjoying your mind and enjoying your life.”

Smith went on to discuss how difficult they can find being in the public eye at times, explaining that it added another layer of difficulty to coming out.

“What’s not normal is how many people are watching and sharing opinions and responsibilities I have to take on at my age, which is quite intense,” they said.

“The only stuff I’ve found hard is the fame side of things, I have to admit. It’s just a huge responsibility.”

Smith added that while it isn’t always easy, they hope their experience will help others “feel less alone”.

“The thought of me speaking about it could make other people feel less alone is a lovely feeling, then that’s a responsibility in itself, but I’m willing to step up to it,” Smith said.

“My only thing that I just want to make sure is that I just want people to be respectful of the fact I’m a singer and a musician as well and that’s what I do and that’s what I came into this world doing. I always want there to be balance in terms of that focus, but that’s my mission.”

In September 2019, Smith came out as non-binary on social media and revealed that they would be using they and them pronouns going forward.

“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,” Smith wrote at the time.

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times Style, Smith said that they have “always” identified as non-binary.

“I have always felt the way I’ve felt, and just hearing other non-binary stories made me suddenly feel seen.

”This is a way that I can live, where if I tell people this is how I feel and this is how I like to be treated, life is easier.”