Singer Sam Smith has announced they will no longer use male pronouns.
The 'Stay With Me' singer announced they identify as non-binary and will use the pronouns "they" and "them" going forward on Twitter thread on Saturday (NZ time).
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"After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I've decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out," Smith said.
"I'm so excited and privileged to be surrounded by people that support me in this decision but I've been very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but f**k it!"
In follow up tweets Smith explained they identify as non-binary and won't be able to speak eloquently about their gender just yet, but they're focusing on being open about it.
Non-binary is a term for a person whose gender does not fit within the traditional two options of male or female.
In the past, Smith has been considered male when it came to awards, winning Top Male Artist at the Billboard Music Awards in 2015, for example.
Smith said activists and leaders in the trans community have inspired them, including Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox, performance artist Alok and writer Tom Rasmussen.
Smith said it was intimidating to come out publicly, but they're glad it's done.
"Love you all. I'm scared shitless, but feeling super free right now. Be kind x."
Newshub.
