Few pop stars have remade the conversation around gender as openly as Sam Smith. From a breakthrough in 2012 to becoming one of the most streamed artists of the decade, Smith’s career has been matched by a very public personal evolution. This article draws on verified records and official statements to separate fact from rumor about their identity, relationships, and health.
Full name: Samuel Frederick Smith ·
Birth date: 19 May 1992 ·
Nationality: English ·
Profession: Singer and songwriter ·
Breakthrough year: 2012
Quick snapshot
- Non-binary (TIME)
- Pronouns: they/them (TIME)
- Came out March 2019 (Good Morning America)
- Breakthrough in 2012 on Disclosure’s “Latch” (All American Speakers)
- 4 Grammy Awards (All American Speakers) (All American Speakers)
- Albums: In the Lonely Hour, Love Goes, Hazel Eyes (All American Speakers) (All American Speakers)
- Current partner: Christian Cowan (as of 2025)
- Past partner: internet personality
- No confirmed MS diagnosis
- Public health rumors unsubstantiated
Eight verified facts about Sam Smith, drawn from official profiles and media reports.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Samuel Frederick Smith |
| Date of birth | 19 May 1992 |
| Place of birth | London, England |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Gender identity | Non-binary |
| Pronouns | They/them |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Notable awards | 4 Grammy Awards |
What is Sam Smith’s gender identity?
Sam Smith’s pronouns and non-binary identity
Sam Smith identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. The singer first addressed their gender publicly in October 2017, telling GQ UK (men’s fashion and culture magazine) that they did not feel like a cisgender man and felt “just as much woman as I am man.” In March 2019, Smith came out as non-binary via social media, and later that September announced the switch to they/them pronouns in an interview with TIME (leading news magazine).
“After a lifetime of being at war with my gender, I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am.”
Sam Smith, in an interview with TIME, September 2019
Smith’s gender journey is one of the most documented among mainstream pop artists: they moved from coming out as gay in 2014 to publicly rejecting the male/female binary in 2019. This shift, anchored by their own statements, created a template for how artists can self-define in the public eye.
Public announcement and timeline
- May 2014: Smith comes out as gay (TIME).
- October 2017: First public remarks on gender identity — “just as much woman as I am man” (GQ UK).
- March 2019: Comes out as non-binary (Good Morning America).
- September 2019: Announces they/them pronouns (TIME).
- 2020: In a British Vogue interview, Smith says they first heard the term “non-binary” about two years earlier and felt relief at being seen (British Vogue / YouTube).
The implication: Smith’s gender identity is clearly non-binary, but the vocabulary and timing evolved. Early descriptors included “genderqueer” and “not male or female,” as noted in an Access Hollywood / YouTube interview.
Any future public discussion of Smith’s gender identity may introduce new terms. The singer has previously mentioned questioning a sex change (Mashable), though no further updates have been shared.
The implication: Smith’s gender identity is clearly non-binary, but the vocabulary and timing evolved.
Who is Sam Smith’s partner now?
Current relationship status
As of 2025, Sam Smith is in a relationship with fashion designer Christian Cowan. The couple have been publicly seen together at events and on social media. No official statement about an engagement or marriage has been made.
Past relationships overview
- Smith has dated an internet personality prior to Cowan, though the exact timeline remains unclear.
- In a 2020 British Vogue / YouTube interview, Smith noted that their first proper relationship was the subject of an album, but earlier records were not based on a long-term partner.
The pattern: Smith’s relationship history is relatively private, with only one named partner (Cowan) emerging in the public domain. Other past connections are not confirmed by official sources.
When was Sam Smith diagnosed with MS?
No official confirmation of MS diagnosis
There is no credible evidence that Sam Smith has multiple sclerosis. The rumor appears to stem from online speculation and “People Also Ask” boxes, not from any medical statement or reliable reporting. Multiple sclerosis typically starts between ages 20 and 40 (National Multiple Sclerosis Society), but no diagnosis has been linked to Smith.
Public health discussions around Sam Smith
Smith has not publicly discussed any chronic illness. The lack of any mention in interviews, biographies, or social media suggests the MS rumor is unsubstantiated. Fans searching for “Sam Smith MS” are likely encountering misinformation.
The catch: Without official confirmation, the MS rumor remains unsubstantiated.
What is happening with Sam Smith?
Recent music releases and tours
Sam Smith’s latest album, Hazel Eyes, was released in 2025. The album follows collaborations like “Unholy” with Kim Petras, which hit No. 1 in both the US and UK in 2022 (All American Speakers). Smith is currently on a promotional tour, with dates in North America and Europe announced.
Public appearances and activism
Smith remains active in LGBTQ+ advocacy, frequently speaking at Pride events and using their platform to support non-binary visibility. In 2023, they won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Kim Petras (All American Speakers).
Why this matters: Smith’s career continues to evolve alongside their public identity. The 2025 album and tour mark a new chapter, while their activism keeps the conversation about non-binary representation in the mainstream.
Is Sam a gender?
Etymology of ‘Sam’ as a given name
Sam is a given name derived from Samuel (Hebrew) or Samantha (feminine form). It has been used as a gender-neutral name for centuries. Sam Smith’s name does not denote a gender; it is a short form of Samuel Frederick Smith.
Gender-neutral naming conventions
The question “Is Sam a gender?” reflects confusion between a name and an identity category. Sam is a name, not a gender. Sam Smith’s identity as non-binary is separate from the etymology of their first name.
The trade-off: While the question may seem basic, it underscores a broader gap in public understanding of how names and gender identities operate independently.
Timeline signal
- – Born in London
- – Breakthrough on Disclosure’s “Latch” (All American Speakers)
- – Debut album In the Lonely Hour (All American Speakers)
- – Came out as non-binary (Good Morning America)
- – Released album Hazel Eyes (All American Speakers)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Sam Smith’s gender identity is non-binary (confirmed by multiple interviews).
- Sam Smith is a singer and songwriter with 4 Grammy Awards.
- Breakthrough in 2012 via Disclosure’s “Latch.”
- Debuted album In the Lonely Hour in 2014.
What’s unclear
- Whether Sam Smith has multiple sclerosis — no evidence.
- Exact details of past relationships beyond the current partner.
- Whether Smith’s gender expression will change in the future (they have previously mentioned questioning a sex change).
- The timeline of some early gender identity statements (e.g., “genderqueer” label).
- Sam Smith’s current partner is Christian Cowan (no official source).
In their own words
“After a lifetime of being at war with my gender, I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am.”
Sam Smith, TIME, September 2019
In a 2017 interview with GQ UK, Smith said: “I felt just as much woman as I am man.” (GQ UK)
In a 2020 British Vogue interview, Smith said: “I heard the word ‘non-binary’ maybe two years ago, and I felt such relief.” (British Vogue / YouTube)
For fans following Smith’s journey, the key takeaway is to rely on verified statements rather than unsubstantiated rumors, as the singer continues to evolve both musically and personally. In an information environment where identity and health rumors spread quickly, the smartest move is to check the source — and Smith’s own words remain the most reliable guide.
youtube.com, facebook.com, mashable.com, youtube.com, en.wikipedia.org, facebook.com, reddit.com, them.us
Frequently asked questions
What are Sam Smith’s biggest songs?
“Stay With Me,” “I’m Not the Only One,” “Writing’s on the Wall,” “Too Good at Goodbyes,” and “Unholy” with Kim Petras are among their most streamed hits.
How many albums has Sam Smith released?
Four studio albums: In the Lonely Hour (2014), The Thrill of It All (2017), Love Goes (2020), and Hazel Eyes (2025).
Did Sam Smith change their pronouns?
Yes. Smith announced they/them pronouns in September 2019 after coming out as non-binary earlier that year.
What is Sam Smith’s net worth?
Net worth figures vary widely online. No official figure has been disclosed by Smith or their representatives.
Is Sam Smith on tour in 2025?
Yes. Smith is currently on a tour supporting Hazel Eyes, with dates in North America and Europe.
What awards has Sam Smith won?
Smith has won 4 Grammy Awards (including Best New Artist), an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and several Brit Awards.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Downunder Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.