Sam Smith has opened up about their experience since changing their pronouns, saying that they find the negative reaction to their identity to be "exhausting".
The singer-songwriter, 30, announced they were non-binary in 2019 and asked that people use they/them pronouns when referring to them moving forward.
The Grammy Award winner - who is known for hits like Latch and Like I Can - has previously spoken about having faced a backlash over their decision four years ago.
They have now spoken further about the reaction, revealing during an interview for Apple Music, released this week, that they have received abuse in the street in the UK.
Sam - whose latest album, Gloria, will be released tomorrow - was asked by presenter Zane Lowe, 49, about their experience since having announced they were non-binary.
The Brit Award winner said on Apple Music 1 that there hasn't been a single negative reaction in their personal life. They said that they communicate "even better" now with their family.
Sam said their love life has benefited too, saying they feel "lovable" and "comfortable" in their own skin. They said that since changing their pronouns it feels "like a coming home".
The singer-songwriter said they wished that they had known about such an identity when they were at school, adding that they would have identified that way at the time.
Sam however also opened up about the negative reaction, saying it's been in their public life. "Just the amount of hate and s***ness that came my way was just exhausting," they said.
The performer said it was "really hard" and added that they aren't proactively looking for stories about themself. "It was in the f***ing news. It was hard not to look," they said.
Sam explained during the interview that they can decide not to look at articles online or comments on social media, but they can't help being met with abuse in the street.
"What people don't realize with trans non-binary people in the UK is it's happening in the street. Like I'm being abused in the street verbally more than I ever have," they added.
The singer said that had been the "hardest part" of their experience and recalled being shouted at in the street. They added: "Someone spat at me like in the street. It's crazy".
They continued by expressing concern for queer individuals who aren't celebrities. Sam said: "It's just so sad like that we're in 2023 and it's still happening. It's exhausting".
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
