“Your own special creation” – Sam Smith on being non-binary genderqueer
Pic: © pitpony.photography / CC-BY-SA-3.0″
Sam Smith has revealed that he doesn’t consider himself male or female and that he’s been plagued by body shaming issues all his life.
The British singer-songwriter opened up to actress and activist Jameela Jamil in a candid Instagram interview about his body image and self acceptance.
He was bullied and struggled with body shame throughout his life; “from since I can remember”. This included having liposuction on his chest at the age of twelve because he had started developing breasts.
Smith said that when on holiday recently he once again felt afraid to take off his t-shirt to get into the pool. He then decided, “I can’t live my life like this. It’s exhausting.”
He added that, “I don’t hear a lot of guys talking about [body image]. Guys don’t speak about this that much. It doesn’t feel manly to talk about how I feel in my body.”
The 26-year-old singer came out at as gay at 10 and at 16 he stopped using ‘boys clothes’ and instead wore leggings and makeup. When he became famous he started wearing suits to disguise his weight.
He now identifies as “non-binary genderqueer”. When asked to explain those terms, Smith said: “You do not identify in a gender. You are a mixture of all these different things. You are your own special creation.”
He added: “That’s how I take it. I am not male or female. I think I float somewhere in between — somewhat on the spectrum.”
Smith explained that gender fluidity also comes into play in his sex life. “When I move, when I have sex with men, it’s very feminine. I’ve been very feminine in many ways, and I’ve always resented that.”
He felt pressure to act and look more masculine but has since come to accept that, “I will never look like that… Maybe I’m not a man, I’m not a woman, I’m just me.”
Watch the incredible interview below.
An incredible interview. So well handled and it gave me insight into Sam Smith the most incredible person.
Thank you so much. We could and should listen to this .
Its difficult why Jamila insists on him being a man. Nonbinary genderqueer
Love this man. Promises is fantastic.
Are there any platforms for a young previously gay/bi now non binary gender queer guy to ..connect with fellow souls & humans ? Have a few questions I’d like to chat about…