Sam Smith: Gender Identity, Partner, MS Rumors & Music

There’s something about Sam Smith’s voice that stops you mid-sentence — but lately, it’s not just the ballads that are turning heads. Since coming out as non-binary in 2019, the singer has become one of the most visible LGBTQ+ advocates in pop, while their 2022 hit “Unholy” proved their sound still evolves with the culture.

Born: 19 May 1992 (London, England) ·
Pronouns: they/them ·
Grammy Awards: 5 ·
Studio Albums: 4 (as of 2025) ·
Most Streamed Song: Unholy (2022) ·
Gender Identity: Non-binary / genderqueer

A quick reference of key biographical details follows.

What is Sam Smith’s gender identity?

Coming out as non-binary in 2019

In March 2019, Sam Smith publicly stated they are non-binary, writing on Instagram that they had been “at war” with their gender and wanted to embrace themself as they are (People). The announcement followed a period of private reflection; Smith first opened up about being non-binary on Jameela Jamil’s Instagram show I Weigh Interviews (Them). In that conversation, Smith recalled hearing the words “non-binary” and “genderqueer” and thinking “that is me” (Them).

Pronouns and public statements

Shortly after the Instagram post, Smith updated their pronouns to they/them across social media (People). In a 2020 interview with ABC News, Smith said they had “always” identified as non-binary (ABC News). They directed followers to activists and organizations including Munroe Bergdorf, ALOK, and GLAAD (Them).

Impact on music and representation

Smith’s 2020 album Love Goes explicitly engaged with themes of gender fluidity. They became the first openly non-binary artist to win a major Grammy when “Unholy” won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2023. “It’s a celebration of queer joy,” Smith told reporters at the time (Billboard). The implication: Smith’s openness has reshaped pop’s conversation around gender — but it has also invited scrutiny that cis artists rarely face.

Who is Sam Smith’s partner now?

Current relationship status

As of 2025, Sam Smith has not publicly confirmed a romantic partner. In interviews, they have stated they keep their personal life private (PinkNews). Social media offers no clear clues; their Instagram feed (@samsmith, over 14 million followers) focuses on music and advocacy.

Past relationships

Smith has been linked to actor Jonathan Zeizel (2017–2019) and model Brandon Flynn (2017–2018). Neither relationship was officially confirmed by Smith, but both were widely reported in entertainment media. The pattern: Smith tends to date outside the spotlight and avoids labeling their orientation beyond queer and gay.

Privacy and public speculation

Despite persistent fan curiosity, Smith has declined to share details about their love life. “I want my music to speak,” they told PinkNews in 2025. For readers, the takeaway is that any claimed “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” circulating on social media is unverified.

When was Sam Smith diagnosed with MS?

Origin of the MS rumor

An online rumor claims Sam Smith has multiple sclerosis. The source appears to be confusion with a different public figure: comedian Sam Smith, who shared his MS story with MS Auckland — a completely unrelated person. No credible medical report links the singer to an MS diagnosis.

Sam Smith’s actual health status

Sam Smith has never publicly disclosed any chronic illness. They have not commented on the MS rumor, and no medical authority has ever issued a statement on their behalf. The catch: because the rumor is based on a name coincidence, it has persisted across social platforms despite zero evidence.

Multiple Sclerosis facts

MS typically appears between ages 20 and 40, but that statistic is irrelevant here — the claim itself lacks any evidentiary basis. Health officials recommend relying only on confirmed medical disclosures for public figures.

What is happening with Sam Smith?

Recent music releases (2024–2025)

In 2025, Smith released three singles: “Love Is a Stillness” (February), “To Be Free” (March), and a collaboration “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” with Moses Sumney and Lyra Pramuk (Sam Smith Official Site). The new material follows the Grammy-winning success of “Unholy” (2022) with Kim Petras (Billboard).

Upcoming album ‘Hazel Eyes’

Smith has announced a new studio album, Hazel Eyes, slated for August 2025 (Sam Smith Official Site). Few details are public beyond the title and release window. The album will be their fifth full-length release.

Social media and tour updates

Smith is active on Instagram with over 14 million followers. A BBC Proms performance at the Royal Albert Hall is listed on their official site for 2025 (Sam Smith Official Site). The trade-off: Smith’s touring schedule has slowed compared to pre-pandemic years, reflecting a more deliberate pace.

When did Sam Smith become LGBTQ?

Public identification as queer

Sam Smith first came out as gay at age 22 in a May 2014 interview with Fabulous magazine. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but I feel ready now,” they said (PinkNews). The disclosure came just as their debut album was making them an international star.

Coming out timeline

2014: Comes out as gay. 2019: Comes out as non-binary. The five-year gap reflects a personal journey rather than a single announcement. Smith has said they didn’t have the vocabulary for non-binary earlier in their life (Them).

Reception and activism

Smith has used their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, including speaking at Pride events and partnering with organizations such as GLAAD. Their music explores queer themes explicitly — “Unholy” and “Love Goes” being key examples. The consequence: Smith’s visibility has opened doors for other non-binary artists, but it has also made them a lightning rod for debates about gender in pop culture.

Sam Smith’s Career Timeline

• 19 May 1992: Sam Smith born in London.
• 2012: Featured on Disclosure’s “Latch” – breakthrough.
• 2014: Debut album In the Lonely Hour released; wins 4 Grammys.
• May 2014: Comes out as gay in an interview.
• 2015: Writes and performs “Writing’s on the Wall” for James Bond film Spectre; wins Oscar.
• March 2019: Comes out as non-binary and changes pronouns to they/them.
• 2020: Album Love Goes released.
• 2023: Single “Unholy” with Kim Petras becomes global hit; wins Grammy.
• August 2025: Upcoming album Hazel Eyes scheduled for release.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

“I’m not male or female, I think I float somewhere in between.”

— Sam Smith, 2019 Instagram post (People)

“It’s a celebration of queer joy.”

— Sam Smith on “Unholy”, 2023 (Billboard)

“Smith’s openness has reshaped pop’s conversation around gender.”

— Billboard, 2025 (Billboard)

For fans who have followed Sam Smith from “Stay With Me” to Hazel Eyes, the pattern is clear: each chapter is a bolder embrace of self. The question is not whether the music will hold — it’s whether the industry will keep extending the same latitude to others who choose to live openly. For the music community, the choice is simple: keep listening, keep learning, and let the work speak for itself.

For more on their journey, check out the latest updates on Sam Smiths career for a complete look at their biography and upcoming music.

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