A TV presenter is being slammed for calling Sam Smith ‘he’ and misgendering them multiple times.
Smith, 32, is undoubtedly one of the biggest artists of today, known for hit songs such as ‘I’m Not the Only One,’ ‘Stay with Me,’ and ‘Dancing with a Stranger.’
Over the years, despite their large fanbase, they’ve been subject to intense criticism, with disapproval directed at their ‘satanic’ performance at the Grammys and the outfit they wore at the Brits.
But now, people are jumping to the pop star’s defense after they were repeatedly misgendered on a TV show.
Smith came out as non-binary in 2019, sharing their preference for they/them pronouns.
The ‘Promises’ singer wrote on social media: “After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out.
“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.”
They added: “I am at no stage just yet to eloquently speak at length about what it means to be non-binary but I can’t wait for the day that I am. So for now I just want to be VISIBLE and open.”
Since coming out as non-binary, Smith has repeatedly been misgendered.
Last year, the pop star appeared on the U.K.’s The One Show and corrected Alex Jones after she misgendered them.
Smith said, via the Mirror: “I do love fishing. I’d love to be a fisherthem.”
Jones asked the singer whether they meant something like a ‘fly fisherman,’ to which they responded: “I’d be any type of fisher-them. One day I’d just like to end my days fishing.”
At the Grammys, a reporter with the Associated Press incorrectly referred to Smith by male pronouns while discussing their evolving style.
The reporter said, per The Independent: “Sam Smith has had a lot of controversy around his outfits this past year, I love that he’s continuing to push the mold, love that he’s continuing to break out from the Sam Smith that we knew at the ballads.
“He’s still singing those ballads, but he’s definitely diving fully in, into pop music, and we can see that, not only in his music but also in his looks as well.”
On the daytime TV show This Morning, Bob Geldof misgendered Smith during a live segment, leading to the program’s presenters being criticized for not issuing a correction.
Pink News reports that he/him pronouns were repeatedly used by Geldof when referring to the artist.
In a radio interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s New Music Daily, Smith acknowledged the struggles of misgendering.
They said (per People): “What’s hard is people changing their vocabulary; that’s very, very difficult. It takes time. Everyone messes up. I’m going to be misgendered to the day I die.
“This is going to take a long, long time for people to not use gender in their vocabulary.”
In a chat with the Australian outlet The Project, Smith elaborated further on the matter: “It’s like, ‘It’s okay, but it is important’ – you know?
“All I can say is, when people use my pronouns correctly, it’s a wonderful feeling. I feel safe, and I feel happy, and I feel completely seen.”
Advocates for Trans Equality say to be respectful, people should use the name and pronouns a non-binary person requests, avoid making assumptions based on appearance, and support policies that accommodate non-binary individuals, especially in gendered spaces like restrooms.
One incident in which Smith was misgendered occurred shortly after their red carpet appearance at the Barbie movie.
Many celebrities attended the event in Barbie-inspired outfits while Smith opted for a more casual look, donning an oversized black sweatshirt and large flared light blue jeans.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly discussed the look on her talk show with guest Vogue Williams, during which she misgendered Smith several times.
At one point, she said: “Oh, he’s dressed down,” and “It’s a bit big for him. If he was my son, I’d say, ‘Son, that was a bit big for you.’ He looks like the wee shrinking man, bless him.”
Meanwhile, Irish model and media personality Williams used Smith’s correct pronouns as she explained they would ‘certainly stand out on the red carpet.’
Fans of the singer and songwriter were unimpressed with Kelly’s misgendering and took to social media to slam the TV host.
One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I guess Lorraine didn’t get the memo about Sam Smith and their chosen pronouns, awkward.”
Another added: “Using ‘him’ as many times in one sentence as she could!”
“Not Lorraine misgendering Sam Smith over and over!” commented a third.
Somebody else remarked: “She’s normally pretty good with this stuff. Vogue looked visibly uncomfortable!!! And she seemed to be emphasizing THEY too for Lorraine to pick up on it but it didn’t work!! I’m sure she’ll be upset she got it wrong.”
Following the backlash, Kelly spoke out and responded to a critic, who has since deleted their tweet.
She said: “Fair comment. Not in the least intentional but will take on board – thanks for bringing it to my attention,” followed by a red heart emoji.
Fair comment Ollie. Not in the least intentional but will take on board – thanks for bringing to my attention ❤️ https://t.co/h3ISCdhdjs
— Lorraine (@reallorraine) July 13, 2023
