In September 2021, Sam Smith, the 33-year-old Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter known for hits like “Stay with Me,” announced that they would use they/them pronouns, calling it a personal milestone in a journey of self-acceptance.
“Today is a good day so here goes,” Smith wrote in a public statement on X. “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…”
He added, “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. Thank you.”
Since that announcement, misgendering incidents have remained frequent – and often public.