Sam Smith has said he ‘looks fabulous’ after years of self-esteem issues
(Picture: PA Wire)Sam Smith has "the opposite of body dysmorphia" since learning to love their body.
The singer, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, struggled with weight and self-esteem issues most of their life.
Smith, 30, also initially dreaded the focus on their appearance that would come from being in the spotlight, but fought eventually fought against their fears by slowly defying the industry's beauty standard.
“Within my industry there is definitely that question of, ‘What should a pop star look like?’” they told The Times. “When I was 25 I came off tour exhausted. I looked to role models in the body world.
“Every time I went to the pool I felt self-conscious, but I forced myself to take my top off. It paid off because I now have the opposite of body dysmorphia.
"I look fabulous," said the star, who also described how their parents tried and failed to persuade them to undress at the swimming pool as a child.
"I’m finally getting a tan. I’m burnt in places I’ve never been burnt.”
Smith, now “happier in my own skin”, added: “My mum says that, as I’ve got older, I’ve stopped caring what people think as much. She tends to be right.”
The star, who recently said that they “wore all-female clothing and full makeup” in school, but started to dress “more masculine” as an adult, also shared their thoughts on only men being nominated for Best Artist at this year’s Brit Awards.
Asked which women should've made the list, they said: "Cat Burns. Anne Marie. Florence Welch. There's so much incredible female talent in the UK — they should be on that list.
"Things are moving forward, but it's obvious it's not there yet. From seeing that [best artist] list, there is still a long way to go.
"It's incredibly frustrating. It feels like it should be easy to do."
