In 2019, Sam Smith announced they were embracing they/them pronouns, a milestone in their long journey toward gender self-acceptance. Despite this, the 33-year-old Grammy winner is still frequently misgendered in public and media appearances. Smith publicly shared their pronoun change on X, writing that after “a lifetime of being at war” with their gender, they were ready to live authentically. They acknowledged that mistakes would happen but asked people to “please please try.”

Still, misgendering continues. At the Grammy Awards, an Associated Press reporter repeatedly used male pronouns while discussing the singer’s fashion choices. The remarks drew criticism online for ignoring Smith’s identity. Shortly after, musician Bob Geldof sparked backlash during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning when he repeatedly referred to Smith as “he.” Former hosts Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield did not correct him, frustrating viewers who felt the slip should have been addressed.

More recently, TV host Lorraine Kelly came under fire after misgendering Smith several times while discussing their outfit at the Barbie movie premiere. She referred to Smith as “him” and “that fella,” while guest Vogue Williams correctly used they/them. Online reactions were swift. Some criticized Kelly for not respecting Smith’s pronouns, while others defended her, insisting Smith “looks like a man.”

The debate once again highlighted the ongoing divide over gender-inclusive language. Speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Smith said the pronoun change felt like “coming home” and helped them feel safer and more comfortable. They added that language habits take time to change: “Everyone messes up… I’m going to be misgendered to the day I die.”