Pop sensation Sam Smith, 30, came out as non-binary in 2019 and changed their gender pronouns to they/them. At the time, Sam explained that they “flow somewhere in between male and female” and that coming out would allow them to “embrace themself for who” they are.
However, Sam has now opened up about the hateful reaction they received from some members of the public.
In a new interview, Sam shared that while they have received great support from their family and friends, hate from strangers has been “crazy”.
Sam told Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1: “I think all the only negatives in the struggle have been in my public life and my job.
“It was in the f****** news. Someone spat at me in the street. It’s crazy.”
Sam went on that they could not believe that kind of treatment was still happening in this day and age.
They continued: “What I find hard about it is it’s like, if that’s happening to me and I’m famous, I’m a pop star, can you imagine what other kids, like queer kids are feeling?
“And it’s just so sad that we’re in 2023 and it’s still happening. It’s exhausting and especially in England.”
They added that in their personal life “there’s not one negative” and that their family communicate with them in “an even better way” since they came out.
Another benefit for Sam is that their “love life” has improved because they now feel “comfortable” in their skin.
Sam’s candid interview comes as they release their fourth album, Gloria.
The hit song has also earned Sam a Grammy nomination and is up for Best Song at the BRIT Awards.
In an interview earlier this week, Sam shared their thoughts on the fact that no women are nominated for Best Artist at this year’s BRITS.
The awards went gender neutral in 2021, which Sam championed after calling for the awards to be “reflective”.
When asked about the lack of women by the Sunday Times, Sam replied: “It is a shame. Things are moving forward, but it’s obvious it’s not there yet.