Sam Smith announces new pronouns of ‘they’ and ‘them’

NEW YORK — Sam Smith has declared the pronouns of “they/them” on social media after coming out as non-binary in what the pop star called a “lifetime of being at war with my gender.” The English “Too Good at Goodbyes” singer was met with thousands of mostly supportive comments, along with some detractors who questioned the need to change pronouns, an increasingly common practice both within and outside of the LGBTQ community. “After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out.” Smith said they were excited and privileged for the support, adding that they’ve been “very nervous” about the announcement because they “care too much about what people think” but finally decided to go for it. “Love you all,” Smith wrote on Twitter, adding they’re scared “but feeling super free right now. So for now I just want to be VISIBLE and open.” Smith won an Oscar in 2016 for the song “Writing’s on the Wall,” from the James Bond thriller “Spectre” and received global attention in 2015 by winning four Grammy Awards, including best new artist Grammy and record of the year for “Stay With Me.” ___ This story has been corrected throughout to reflect Sam Smith’s pronouns and also corrects the year of Smith’s Grammy wins.