Sam Smith opened up about his gender identity, saying he “feels just as much woman as I am man”

Gender identity isn’t always an easy topic to open up about. But Grammy winner Sam Smith discussed both his gender identity and sexuality in an interview with The Sunday Times, revealing that it took him years to feel comfortable coming out — mostly because of “the fear of saying the wrong thing and offending.” But these days, he’s letting his sexuality inspire his music, and he hopes that many in the LGBTQ+ community will relate to his songs.

His new song “Him” touches on the subject of a young man coming out to his father. Discussing the lyrics, Smith said,

"I think they show my growth, my confidence. I feel like they show me. They show the gay guy I've become."

Feeling so happy today. Sun & smiles are out. How are you all? hope you're having a beautiful day wherever you may be xx

— samsmith (@samsmith) October 22, 2017

Smith also discussed that in terms of gender identity, he doesn’t have an exact term to express how he feels, but he’s never felt as though he fits into one specific box.

"There was one moment in my life where I didn't own a piece of male clothing, really," he said. "I would wear full make-up every day in school, eyelashes, leggings with Dr Martens and huge fur coats, for 2.5 years." Smith also added that "I don't know what the title would be, but I feel just as much woman as I am man."

We applaud Smith for using his public platform to speak so openly about gender identity and sexuality. We’re sure it will help others who are struggling to feel less alone, and — most importantly — remind them that there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.

You’ll be able to listen to all of Smith’s new music when his second studio album, The Thrill of It All, drops on November 3rd.