Sam Smith opened up in an interview with Billboard about how the smash single “Dancing With a Stranger” triggered their transition into a nonbinary person, preferring to be addressed using they/them pronouns.
Alongside the single’s co-singer Normani, Smith spoke candidly about the way in which the song helped guide them through a rough time.
“I had just gone through a breakup, and the last thing I wanted to do was write a sad song,” they explained. “I was listening to a lot of really sexy music because it made me feel better, so I wanted the song to capture what I was doing: going to clubs and kissing people.”
In fact, Smith revealed that the song allowed them to write music with much more freedom to explore their feminine side.
“There’s a femininity within that song that has ignited a flame within me; it triggered the transition I’ve made into a nonbinary person.”
Normani praised Smith on their performance and allowing themselves to be creatively free on the record.
“Sam has a unique way of captivating the audience with vulnerability,” she gloated. “That was different for me. My fans hadn’t been able to see me in that light. I’m happy the song will always be part of my story as a solo artist.”
