Most of us have experienced the pressure of getting someone’s gender right—whether we’re speaking to them directly or referring to them in conversation. Even with the best intentions, it can feel awkward or intimidating.
But when misgendering happens repeatedly, it starts to raise a different question: was it ever just a mistake?
That’s the concern surrounding a recent incident involving a well-known TV presenter who misgendered Sam Smith multiple times during a live broadcast. The repeated errors have sparked criticism, with many questioning whether it was a simple slip-up—or something more careless.
At 32, Sam Smith remains one of the most recognized voices in pop music. With chart-topping hits like “I’m Not the Only One,” “Stay with Me,” and “Dancing with a Stranger,” they’ve captivated audiences around the world. But beyond their music, Sam is also known for being open about their identity—and moments like this remind us how important it is to show respect through language.
Over the years, Sam Smith has built a massive fan base—not just for their powerhouse vocals, but for their authenticity. Alongside praise, they’ve also faced their fair share of criticism, from so-called “satanic” stage appearances to bold fashion choices like their headline-making outfit at the BRIT Awards.
Still, despite the controversy, support for Smith has come flooding in after a recent incident where a TV host repeatedly misgendered them during a live broadcast. What some initially hoped was an honest mistake has now stirred wider conversations about respect and representation.
Sam Smith publicly came out as non-binary in 2019, asking to be referred to with they/them pronouns. At the time, they shared a heartfelt message on social media:
“After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out.
I understand there will be many mistakes and misgendering but all I ask is you please please try.
I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you.
I am at no stage just yet to eloquently speak at length about what it means to be non-binary but I can’t wait for the day that I am. So for now I just want to be VISIBLE and open.”
Since then, misgendering has, unfortunately, become a common experience for Smith—even in public forums. Just last year, TV host Alex Jones misgendered them on The One Show, prompting swift corrections from viewers and advocates alike.
Through it all, Smith has approached the topic with grace and a touch of humor. In one memorable moment, they quipped:
“I do love fishing. I’d love to be a fisherthem.”
In a world still learning what it means to embrace gender diversity, voices like Sam Smith’s continue to lead the way—not just with music, but with courage.
When TV host Alex Jones asked if Smith meant something like a “fly fisherman,” Smith playfully replied, “I’d be any type of fisher-them. One day I’d just like to end my days fishing.”
Unfortunately, this mix-up with pronouns hasn’t been limited to TV hosts. An Associated Press reporter also mistakenly used male pronouns when referring to Smith, saying:
“Sam Smith has had a lot of controversy around his outfits this past year. I love that he’s continuing to push the mold, love that he’s continuing to break out from the Sam Smith that we knew at the ballads.
He’s still singing those ballads, but he’s definitely diving fully into pop music, and we can see that not only in his music but also in his looks as well.”
Bob Geldof made the same pronoun slip during a live segment on This Morning, and the presenter faced criticism for failing to correct the error on air.
Misgendering has become a recurring and frustrating issue for Smith—and one that shows no sign of fading. One particularly notable incident happened on the red carpet at the Barbie movie premiere.
Smith appeared relaxed and casual in an oversized sweatshirt and baggy blue jeans. Yet presenter Lorraine Kelly commented:
“Oh, he’s dressed down. It’s a bit big for him. If he was my son, I’d say, ‘Son, that was a bit big for you.’ He looks like the wee shrinking man, bless him.”
In contrast, Vogel Williams used the correct pronouns, saying Smith “certainly stands out on the red carpet,” showing that respectful recognition is possible.
Across social media, many fans have rallied behind Sam Smith, urging people to “get with the program” and stop the repeated misgendering. For them, it’s a simple matter of respect—one that should no longer be overlooked or dismissed.
