Fans admit to being confused after Sam Smith asks to be referred to as ‘they’

English singer and songwriter Sam Smith has formally announced they wish to be referred to as “they” rather than “he”.

Taking to Instagram, the 27-year-old star explained: “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.

“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 [bleep] it!

“I understand there will be many mistakes and misgendering but all I ask is you please, please try. I hope you can see me like I see myself now.”

View this post on Instagram

Hey.

A post shared by Sam Smith (@samsmith) on Sep 13, 2019 at 2:40pm PDT

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The singing star went on to say they were not ready to speak “at length about what it means to be non binary” but look forward to a time when they can.

“For now I just want to be VISIBLE and open,” Sam concluded before encouraging anyone with questions to direct them to activists and the non binary/trans community that have helped him.

Sam’s celebrity mates flocked to the post to voice their support.

Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness wrote: “Love, love, love.”

View this post on Instagram

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. 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 fuck it! I understand there will be many mistakes and mis gendering but all I ask is you please please try. I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you. P.s. I am at no stage just yet to eloquently speak at length about what it means to be non binary but I can’t wait for the day that I am. So for now I just want to be VISIBLE and open. If you have questions and are wondering what this all means I’ll try my best to explain but I have also tagged below the human beings who are fighting the good fight everyday. These are activists and leaders of the non binary/trans community that have helped me and given me so much clarity and understanding. @tomglitter @munroebergdorf @transnormativity @alokvmenon @katemoross @glamrou @travisalabanza @twyrent @chellaman @jvn @lavernecox @stonewalluk @glaad @humanrightscampaign @mermaidsgender Love you all. I’m scared shitless, but feeling super free right now. Be kind x

A post shared by Sam Smith (@samsmith) on Sep 13, 2019 at 6:57am PDT

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Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying wrote: “Love you!”

Demi Lovato gushed” “So proud!”

And singer JoJo posted: “I love YOU!!!!!! You are incredible!!!!!”

Many of Sam’s fans also voiced their support – even when they admitted they didn’t completely understand the issue.

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Flames

A post shared by Sam Smith (@samsmith) on Aug 24, 2019 at 4:20am PDT

One wrote: “I must admit I don’t get all of the non binary stuff, BUT I don’t need to. I can still respect your decision and try to adhere to it.”

A second agreed: “Not sure I understand, but I am 100% supportive of you and anyone else being true to themselves and who they feel they are as human beings.”

And a third wrote” “I guess I don’t have enough knowledge to understand what does ‘non binary’ mean 😅. Gonna google it tho. But anyway it’s great that you speak up. It’s always not easy.”

Sadly, some people on social media reacted in an entirely hostile manner – so more power to Sam and his choice!

What do you make of Sam’s pronoun change? Tell us what you think on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.