Sam Smith, a celebrated global music icon, has once again found themselves at the center of controversy due to the repeated misgendering by a TV presenter. Despite their immense talent and significant influence in the music industry, the misuse of their preferred pronouns continues to spark debates about respect and inclusivity.
Smith, 32, is globally renowned for their heartfelt hits like “I’m Not the Only One,” “Stay with Me,” and “Dancing with a Stranger.” Their career has been marked by success, but also by moments of intense public scrutiny. From the polarizing reactions to their so-called “satanic” Grammy performance to critiques of their bold fashion statements, Smith has remained a polarizing figure. Yet, the ongoing issue of misgendering seems to overshadow even these discussions.
Embracing Their True Self
In 2019, Smith made the brave decision to publicly come out as non-binary, adopting they/them pronouns. On social media, they shared a heartfelt message about their journey of self-acceptance, writing, “After a lifetime of being at war with my gender, I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out.” Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Smith emphasized their desire for visibility and understanding, while expressing hope for others to see them as they truly see themselves.
Since this revelation, Smith has faced frequent misgendering. Despite their clear request for people to use the correct pronouns, instances of incorrect references have persisted, both in casual and professional contexts.
Public Missteps by Media Figures
Smith’s journey has been a learning curve not just for them but for the broader public and media personalities. For instance, during an appearance on the BBC’s The One Show, Smith gently corrected host Alex Jones, humorously referring to themselves as a “fisherthem” instead of a fisherman. The interaction highlighted how ingrained gendered language is and how much effort it takes to shift societal norms.
Other examples have been less lighthearted. At the Grammys, a reporter described Smith using male pronouns while praising their bold fashion choices and evolution as an artist. Similarly, on the daytime show This Morning, musician Bob Geldof repeatedly misgendered Smith without correction from the show’s hosts. These incidents underscore a recurring issue in media – the struggle to respect and adapt to non-binary identities.
Misgendering on a Prominent Talk Show
The latest incident unfolded during a discussion on Lorraine Kelly’s talk show, where she and guest Vogue Williams analyzed Smith’s casual outfit at the Barbie movie premiere. While Williams diligently used Smith’s correct pronouns, Kelly repeatedly referred to the artist as “he.” Comments like “He looks like the wee shrinking man, bless him,” drew sharp criticism from fans who were quick to express their disapproval on social media platforms.
Observers noted that Williams seemed visibly uncomfortable, even attempting to emphasize Smith’s correct pronouns to prompt Kelly to adjust her language. Fans of Smith took to social media to highlight the presenter’s missteps, with many expressing disappointment. One user remarked on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, “Lorraine didn’t get the memo about Sam Smith and their chosen pronouns, awkward.”
Acknowledging the Impact
Lorraine Kelly later responded to the backlash with an apology, stating that the misgendering was unintentional and promising to be more mindful in the future. While her response was seen as a step in the right direction, it also highlights a broader societal issue – the need for more awareness and respect for non-binary individuals in both public and private settings.
Smith, reflecting on the struggles of being misgendered, has emphasized patience and understanding. In interviews, they’ve spoken about the challenges people face in changing their vocabulary, acknowledging that it’s a gradual process. However, they’ve also highlighted how correctly using their pronouns fosters a sense of safety, happiness, and validation.
A Call for Greater Respect and Inclusivity
Advocates for transgender and non-binary equality stress the importance of respecting individuals’ pronouns, avoiding assumptions based on appearance, and promoting inclusive policies. These steps are vital for creating a society where everyone feels seen and valued.
Sam Smith’s experiences serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. By embracing diversity and fostering understanding, society can move toward a future where everyone feels accepted and celebrated for who they truly are.