Sam Smith Talks Gender Identity, Break-Ups and Stage Fright | In Conversation | British Vogue

Sam Smith was 10-years-old when they came out to their family, but it was only two years ago that they heard the word that ultimately brought them relief and finally made them feel seen: “Non-binary”. As they release their new album Love Goes, the Grammy and Oscar-winning musician talks to contributing editor Paris Lees as part of British Vogue’s In Conversation series about the impact changing their pronouns had on their worldview, how a heart-wrenching break-up inspired their latest music, and why they are finally learning to be kind to themselves - a process that has felt to them like “coming home”.
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Sam Smith Talks Gender Identity, Break-Ups and Stage Fright
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Subscribe to British Vogue►► www.youtube.co...
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ABOUT BRITISH VOGUE
British Vogue is the world’s leading premium lifestyle and fashion entertainment channel. Weekly releases and brand new original programming including short films, series and in-depth documentaries, British Vogue’s channel is the ultimate destination for unprecedented access into the world of fashion, beauty and culture.
Sam Smith Talks Gender Identity, Break-Ups and Stage Fright | In Conversation | British Vogue

[@jamisendinel663]

So glad they got a trans journalist to talk to Sam. She did wonderfully. This interview just felt like a podcast honestly with how well it flowed.

[@FluentlyFletch]

@Josue2018 Paris was born with male genitalia, however she has transitioned and identifies as female. You don't have to fully transition (i.e have surgery to change your facial features/genitals) to be trans, however I think I read that Paris has. :)

[@oenrob98000]

What?! She's a transperson??? Wow...she looks fabulous!

[@angelhairlaser]

@Josue2018 Still ignorant.

[@tatumshumway9713]

@Josue2018 she is a real female :/

[@samdedman7557]

Come on everyone, give this guy a break ... he clearly isn't meaning to come across as transphobic! Be kind and educate the people who may not be used to the reality of trans people, but are clearly okay with it and open to learn.

[@faganquin6483]

One of the best interviews I’ve seen. Not because of who so much as because of how it was conducted. There was no striving, no contriving. It was just as was promised, a super casual conversation with cogent questions and thoughtful answers. A lot of lessons here for both interviewers and interviewees, Nicely done, and kudos to both of you. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay with love. ✌🏻🙏🏻🤙🏻

[@MrJacobrabbit]

Yes

[@ximed13]

this especial human holds a very very special place on my heart!! the way they carry themself

[@elizaduxbury]

The way they carry themself

[@ximed13]

@@elizaduxbury you are absolutely right, correcting asap x

[@GEOFF0906]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@budddwyer8141]

He

[@dajjukunrama5695]

Elizabeth Duxbury Then how do I say they as in many people, if I have to say both I’ll just reserve my right to not know English

[@FluentlyFletch]

Paris is a compassionate and wonderful interviewer. She always knocks it out of the park x

[@partlylou2991]

omg i forgot they're british!!! their voice is so soothing.

[@SNIFFMYBADGER]

Do they identify as British?

[@feliperodriguessoaressampa7275]

This is the most relaxed and entertained interview i have watched in sooooo long. Congrats to Paris Lee for been such a good interviewer.

[@klaudiaklaudia7155]

Zane Lowe also does great interviews that feel similiar- just calm and respectful

[@rav7563]

If there’s one singer that I would ever want to talk to, it would definitely be Sam Smith.

[@dk5802]

This was an EXCELLENT interview! I have never heard of the interviewer before, but her questions were just so thoughtful and insightful, not to mentions there is a realness and goodness to her👍. Sam is wonderful as always; I just love them! 👍❤️

[@bruadarach9758]

Right! Would also highly recommend her interviews with Emma Watson, Owen Jones, and Abigail Thorn. And her book 'What it Feels Like for a Girl', which I literally just finished this morning, is a literary tour de force of a memoir.

[@rinnapattrat.3491]

I really like the interviewer, she is really calm and good listener.

[@glenysharley4150]

@Levent A. she is a woman

[@andreacharvatova6305]

One of the best interviews I've seen, thanks to Sam and mainly to the interviewer. She is really excellent, very calm, professional, nice.

[@dana0x164]

What a candid and deep conversation, I loved it.

[@mike59ca]

really deep

[@user-lp8oj1cx1o]

Thank you for interviewing this wonderful human so well! Enjoyed every bit of it. It's nice to know more about Sam's experience, nice to understand them deeper. Can't wait for crying to their new album!!

[@samiranchakraborty9529]

Am I the only one who feels that almost half of the interview was cut out?

[@maddison9872]

omg their voice is so soothing!!

[@simranbhatla6030]

Ikr

[@julianna1919]

Their voice is so calming

[@danieljones672]

"his"

[@_t1927]

@@simranbhatla6030 hey fellow swiftie! 👋

[@simranbhatla6030]

@@danieljones672 nope sams pronouns are they/them actully

[@Voldemorti]

"I'm financially okay" - lol, understatement of the year

[@farhinmalik5475]

U wanted sam to say I am financially very well off.. That wud have been rude rgt

[@Voldemorti]

@@farhinmalik5475 How would that have been rude? That's just the truth - he has millions haha

[@violetjade64]

@@Voldemorti *they have

[@beckix3662]

I‘m in love with Sam’s speaking voice

[@udhav423]

Sam’s voice can cure depression. & that’s on point blank periodt.

[@MingManlapaz]

those blue eyes 🥺

[@flograce3409]

these british vogue interviews with paris are so interesting

[@luigisar6323]

I love Sam Smith, special human being

[@vedantsridhar8378]

I didn't even know he had gender dysphoria until now

[@nil8404]

@@vedantsridhar8378 just a reminder that he uses they/them pronouns:)

[@vedantsridhar8378]

@@nil8404 Thanks! Yeah if they identify themselves as neither male or female, then 'they' should be the correct pronoun

[@vedantsridhar8378]

@@planethoth1238 that's true, but we should always use pronouns based on someone's gender identity. I'm currently a boy, but if I was born as a girl but felt like a boy, and people called me a girl, I won't feel good at all. Same applies for non-binary. Sam Smith can't fully accept the fact that they are a man. They feel more like they're somewhere between a man and a woman, and 'they' is the closest pronoun to use for something like this. Easiest way to imagine: How bad would it feel if you were to somehow magically transition into your opposite sex? I bet I wouldn't last more than a month without demanding my parents to pay for the gender-transitioning surgery. Now while non-binary wouldn't be as bad as transgender, it can still cause troubles.

[@kikimcyoloswaggy]

@@vedantsridhar8378 non-binary people are also transgender. To suggest that we just 'can't accept' that we are male or female is absolutely wrong. There's no comparing between being mtf or ftm and being nonbinary. We are all transgender under the same umbrella and can have gender dysphoria that is just as severe as the other.

[@VivaldiCristian]

WOW this human being inspires me so much. Love to you Sam. Thanks for existing.

[@Julia-2709]

Sam has such a lovely aura/charisma

[@HAIRHOLIC_1]

He does indeed, it hurts me to hear all the hardships he’s gone through, I feel like he deserves everything he got because he’s such a beautiful human being all around

[@dajjukunrama5695]

Catchmeifyoucan Yo if you say he you’re a fascist yo

[@nyx476]

@@HAIRHOLIC_1 Sam uses they/them pronouns

[@fickle3835]

On a side note the interviewer is so beautiful

[@lewisovhebn]

Love the vibe of this interviewer

[@workinprogress3329]

Sam is wonderful. I can’t wait for the live stream show on October 30th.

[@jobalak9761]

Sam I love you❤️, your authenticity is healing , you are an amazing artist and a kind person.

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

i loved the quiff but i sort of wish that the fem sam was the one who everyone fell in love with and identified with. what an awesome family. that really makes one feel comfortable to go for dreams and be stable despite everything

[@lancedeschenes4046]

Thank you so much for sharing yourselves in this way.

[@RobinZipporah]

Sam has such a soothing, sonorous, sweet, lovely voice. Along with the British accent 👌

[@Barnzy213]

Other then the fact he’s a bent clown that claims gender neutral. Worlds gone mad

[@lottieloves4431]

Love that Paris turns up and gifts books, my kind of person for sure.

[@QualquerCoisa387]

I love Sam forever. Such a great human being. Great conducted interview. Tks Paris Lees, as well!

[@therandom_me2064]

He's a very kind, sweet and soft soul.

[@KuyaSamYT]

Paris or Sam?

[@dhirjasingh6250]

I also find it so therapeutic to dance

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

love the banter that made sam cry from laughing lol

[@johnsloan4987]

I appreciate this conversation so much. I am very accepting yet struggled with understanding trans issues 10 years ago but truly wanted to be respectful. I am someone who needs to understand something for it to enter my soul. Eventually I found a few friends willing to discuss the topic and teach me what I didn’t know and I have been able to help many friends on their journey also. We can’t discount education.

[@brizuniga]

This was the most extraordinary - remarkable interview I’ve seen in a while. Two amazing souls… I loved every second. We need more people like this in the world !! I felt warmth and pure genuinity …Does anyone know what the name of those books are?

[@markszabo4574]

Wonderful Gorgeous human beings❤️❤️❤️

[@lilimandula]

mindig megmelengetí a szívemet, ha elfogadó magyart látok:) ❤️

[@markszabo4574]

@@lilimandula jaaaj az enyémet is🥺🥺🥺, nagyon jól esett a válaszod❤️❤️❤️

[@jazco_]

I'm so in love with Sam, can't help it

[@julz63]

What a fabulous interview between Paris and Sam. We should all strive to be kinder to ourselves and one another, listen with open hearts, speak the truth as we know it, and always, always take the time to sniff a new book 📚 Sam you are someone I admire, and I could listen to you for hours ❤️

[@katczu]

I feel bad for them for sitting at the edge of this huge couch 😂 love them both

[@sarahgunay537]

Great interview, thank you.

[@remiesslinger5100]

Love you both ! Thank u for this ! Can't wait for the album and Paris' book !!!

[@aungmyat1323]

'I would like to touch u' ...... Me too paris...

[@elisefintland3897]

This is so beautiful. Thank you!

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

lovely people! glad sam isn't one of those who paris interviewed that don't read

[@kshillingford6497]

I love smelling books too

[@mariaangelicavillarraga2334]

Beautiful souls 🌺♥️💘

[@henrymathews3671]

I love smelling books too Sam.....it’s just 😌

[@liannugraha4076]

you're enough, you're worthy (sam smith)

[@danielmolina4266]

Sam Smith, he saved my life, I was in a very toxic relationship last year, and deal with the end of that relationship was a breakdown for me but Sam music was just on time, every word, every song made me go trough all those horrible feelings I got when I decided to left my ex. I’m a lot better now

[@beecauve5138]

Who is the interviewer? ❤️

[@alecmaxwell7000]

Paris Lees

[@sarahjanesmithson3703]

A beautiful person. . A beautifil voice .

[@dannamacias8192]

the kindness of sam makes me so happy

[@dajjukunrama5695]

It’s us* don’t be a capitalist gender knower.

[@nyx476]

@@dajjukunrama5695 what

[@mandycatchymonkey4805]

I think Sam Smith comes across as such a lovely person. They’re so beautiful

[@HeroMike17]

14:00 LOVE this irony :)

[@kiamanawatini9512]

aww I like 🥰...seconds into the opening, Paris shares with Sam...'I would like to touch you, I would like to embrace you' due. ... sweet words to my ears and heart. 👍🏼 British Vogue Thank you xo

[@nickyhendrie4032]

I've just started listening to Sam Smith and I'm not being funny, but I think I'm in love with them.

[@QueerIsHere]

When I hear sam talk explain his non-binary gender, it was like they knew exactly how I feel.

[@simranbhatla6030]

*they

[@GEOFF0906]

Ooops...You said HIS!!!!! call the PC police

[@antonvinther31]

This interview was so wholesome and sweet!

[@Nolie_CaNolie]

Sam is my favorite singer, oh... that voice is of a Siren.... they’re voice can sink ships.

[@Sunny-mz8sx]

Paris is a great interviewer, I enjoy listening to her as much as the celebs. Wish we saw more of her on this channel

[@TheImaxify]

This is valuable to hear about his experience. I appreciate his bravery.

[@michellepeuker7893]

so true! :) but sam goes with they/them pronouns by the way :)

[@TheImaxify]

@@michellepeuker7893 true!

[@coral5489]

their*

[@Daniel_ddiaz]

Editing’s a bit rough... Come on Vogue

[@tilunguyen9195]

Sam's voice is so soft, it healing me

[@wildflowers9318]

god, i love this interview smuch

[@hadari29]

Love Sam so much ❤❤

[@terryarrow702]

Thoroughly enjoyable listen. Made clear of serious issues Sam has had to deal with. Life would be wonderful if we could just be who we want to be without being judged. With no one taking notice of our sexuality. And most of all let’s be kind to one another. Thank you vogue 🧚🏼‍♀️💋♥️

[@iqachew8132]

Most humble person eva 🥰

[@MrJacobrabbit]

Very well done

[@pageslieahead]

I love smelling books❤️

[@reginadelreal9623]

This was such a wonderful interview

[@brycelandmagic]

I love both these humans and enjoyed this interview so much! So excited for the album!

[@timothy2491]

Sometimes I wake up as a chicken but more so as a duck. Maybe one day I'll be an eagle or toaster. The possibilities are endless and humans shouldn't limit their experiences. Let's all be woke together.

[@musicisgood9367]

W h a t

[@mcallisterlaura4079]

such a beautiful human being

[@pambutterflyhigh]

We need more music from him, I am addicted to it.

[@violetjade64]

*them

[@sophiam9194]

sam uses they/them pronouns:))

[@ryekim9246]

Beautiful people❤️

[@love-lj7rr]

Why didn't they wear a mask?

[@mariapaulamangione4857]

Es tan maduro y cuando habla tiene una paz, trasmite una muy linda energia, es un cantante increíble y como persona es mas increible todavía❤❤❤❤

[@AndyB1286]

Nice interview, and one that helps me continue to learn about gender identity.

[@karlotta9874]

They are just so lovely

[@bk-xu2yg]

I always listen to Sam Smith's songs when I am down.

[@desertcruisin5988]

I love his music. Its just good. I hate he's politically used in any way. And i hope we will all meet a time, where gender and sexuality don't have any impact to any career.

[@Misskitttyrr]

💗💗💗💗 love your new album!! Please come back to Australia as soon as lockdown is over! Can’t wait to dance with you 💃🏾😍😍😍😍

[@romanbohdannazaryshyni4100]

He is so real,so pure♥️

[@irisp5465]

*they’re :)

[@waynejones750]

Absolutely brilliant x

[@anuoluwapoobipehin4894]

Such a beautiful person😍😍

[@amgalvin2989]

Such an honest soul free to be like we all should be

[@djorsuroland8536]

I love his songs but I'm still confused about this gender issues

[@sdfghjkljdhgsgshv]

*they. you don’t have to understand you just have to respect it.

[@parkerjohnson3581]

Yes, but that being said, not everyone agrees with it which also needs to be respected. I mean no disrespect to you or sam. They (sam) can make the choice they feel is right for them and i can respect that, but we can't be upset if people don't see things our way. (yes, this applies to me too)

[@JCesar-xf2bk]

It's curious because he has said he's non-binary and wants to be addressed as ''they''. However only last week he said he'd like to have a child and be a ''mummy''... I honestly didn't get that (no joke here). If he's non-binary, how can he be a ''mummy''? It IS a feminine word, isn't it? Shouldn't he say just ''parent''?

[@JCesar-xf2bk]

@Paul Judkins That's my opinion, too.

[@user-dg1if8kv7d]

People label themselves differently and Non-Binary is a very broad term that people within the identity describe differently due to gender being a very personal experience. I understand if that doesn’t make sense if you haven’t experienced that but i hope you respect it 🥺❤️ Also Sam has said their pronouns are ‘they/them’ so i hope you respect that too 🤗

[@JCesar-xf2bk]

@@user-dg1if8kv7d I respect it, even though I don't really understand it. I don't think he (sorry, he) does either. But I don't feel the need to change pronouns when I'm talking about him. :-)

[@akshatsharma5536]

I get so serious sometimes

[@sohinidatta3978]

seeing how even an artist like Sam Smith gets stage fright .... I'm inspired

[@erikgarneau8102]

I love to smell books too :)

[@eurydice5890]

When they talk about gender, I really relate to what Sam is saying, because my story is really similar to theirs, and their coming-out kinda help me in mine. by the way, I also love smelling books

[@vikingninja5033]

what a nice man

[@lolidva3807]

His is

[@MatiasPoro]

A true icon an music legend

[@destin.marie.]

Such a beautiful interview ☺️ thank you for educating me on how it feels to be non binary my teenage in law is struggling and this helped me connect better ❤️

[@ahmedjamal5345]

First time watching an interview of Sam Smith, i love his music so much since years, but never expected to actually watch him sit and talk so deeply. I love deep conversations, behind the scenes stories etc... He looked nervous but so Genuine

[@simranbhatla6030]

*they/them

[@gale_poot]

Please respect their pronouns

[@cesaruy247]

He

[@katiepickles6384]

They/them/it they aren't male

[@kathy6937]

Their skin is glowing to the gods!

[@thatsbk7174]

He is different then i expected him to sound be he seems cool

[@raven4912]

Sam goes by they/them pronouns😊

[@thatsbk7174]

@@raven4912 thats doesnt change his biology. 😊

[@raven4912]

@@thatsbk7174 may you explain me what their pronouns have to do with biology, because I'm not sure I can follow you...🤔

[@thatsbk7174]

@@raven4912 pronouns have nothing to dso with biology which is kind of the issue. I dont call you by what you feel like, I call you what you are, he may feel like something but he is and always will be a guy

[@QueerCapricorn6572]

@@thatsbk7174 you don't know if they are intersex person. Just because of their masculine gender expression, it doesn't mean they identify as man/boy.