Arts & Entertainment
Sam Smith says ‘I feel just as much woman as I am man’
the singer opened up about his gender identity in a new interview
(Photo via Instagram.)
Sam Smith opened up about his gender identity and how his feelings have changed on being a “gay singer” in an interview with The Times.
The 25-year-old singer explained that at first he didn’t want his private life attached to his professional life but with age his opinion changed.
“Looking back on it, it was the fear of saying the wrong thing and offending,” Smith says. “And I was 19 when I started writing the first album. I’d just moved to London from a village — I was literally the only gay in the village. I didn’t know what I wanted to say. … I remember, at the beginning of my career, being called a ‘gay singer,’ and I didn’t want that. I wanted to be seen as a singer first, before people spoke about my private life.
“And now it’s changed — I’ve changed. I realize that maybe I don’t mind that title,” he adds.
Smith also shared his love for dressing feminine which he started doing as a teenager.
“I love a heel. I’ve got loads of heels at home,” Smith reveals. “People don’t know this, but when I was 17, I remember becoming obsessed with Boy George and Marilyn [Monroe], and all that. There was one moment in my life where I didn’t own a piece of male clothing, really. I would wear full make-up every day in school, eyelashes, leggings with Dr. Martens and huge fur coats, for 2.5 years.”
When asked if he identified as cis-gender Smith replied, “I don’t know what the title would be but I feel just as much woman as I am man.”
Smith’s sophomore album “The Thrill of It All” will be released on Nov. 3. He says the album will reflect more on his gay identity including the track “Him,” which is about a son coming out to his father.
“I think they [the songs] show my growth, my confidence. I feel like they show me. They show the gay guy I’ve become,” Smith says.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
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The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
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The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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