Seven times Sam Smith riled up bigots and became a queer icon in 2023
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For Sam Smith, 2023 will go down in history as the year they made waves in the music industry and unapologetically upset a few bigots along the way. The singer-songwriter started the year off strong with the release of their fourth studio album, “Gloria,” which quickly soared to the top of the charts in January.
But it was their groundbreaking win at the Grammy Awards in February that truly solidified Smith’s status as an LGBTQ+ icon. Alongside German trans pop star Kim Petras, they became the first trans and non-binary pair to win the Best Pop Duo award for their record-breaking single, “Unholy.”
Smith didn’t stop there. They embarked on an international tour, made a cameo appearance in the highly anticipated TV series “…And Just Like That,” and collaborated with queer favorites Charli XCX and Madonna. Throughout it all, Smith fearlessly embraced their sexuality and used their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Of course, not everyone was thrilled about Smith’s success and visibility. Throughout the year, they managed to rile up a few miserable souls, including notorious British television personality Piers Morgan, the controversial far-right group Britain First, and musicians Morrissey, Laurence Fox, and Noel Gallagher.
Here are seven instances in 2023 when Sam Smith ruffled feathers and emerged as an LGBTQ+ icon:
1. “I’m Not Here To Make Friends” Music Video: In January, Smith released the risqué music video for their single “I’m Not Here To Make Friends.” The video featured Smith confidently strutting about in various extravagant outfits, embracing their body and fashion choices. While some praised the video for its boldness, one GB News presenter likened it to “extreme hardcore pornography.” This backlash only highlighted society’s discomfort with seeing trans and non-binary individuals with bigger bodies expressing themselves freely.
2. Terrifying Religious Zealots at Award Shows: Smith’s performances at the Grammy Awards and the BRIT Awards in February and March respectively drew the ire of religious fanatics. Clad in devil-inspired attire, including devil-horned top hats and latex bondage gear, Smith’s performances were labeled as the “normalization of Satan.” However, these critics conveniently ignored the fact that devil-inspired themes have been common in pop culture for decades.
3. Embracing Body Positivity: Smith’s fashion choices throughout the year also ruffled some feathers. Their appearance on the red carpet in a black latex bodysuit with accentuated shoulders and knees drew criticism from those who couldn’t handle their campy and cool style. Additionally, a photoshoot for Perfect Magazine featuring Smith in a corset, codpiece, and denim mini skirt was met with fatphobic abuse. Nevertheless, Smith’s fans came to their defense, and they continued to ignore the negativity.
4. Controversy on the Gloria Tour: When Smith kicked off their Gloria tour in April, trolls couldn’t resist finding something to complain about. The “ACT III: SEX” section of the show, which featured Smith performing “Unholy” and a cover of Madonna’s “Human Nature” in bejeweled corsets, thigh-high boots, devil horns, and a matching trident, sparked claims of satanic imagery. Despite the controversy, many missed the poignant tribute paid by Smith to trans teenager Brianna Ghey, who was tragically killed earlier in the year.
5. Haters Gonna Hate: Even lighthearted moments like Smith joking about being a “fisherthem” during an interview on The One Show led to backlash. Some individuals took offense to Smith’s playful wordplay, while others accused them of butchering the English language. However, these criticisms only serve as a reminder that Smith’s sense of humor can withstand the haters.
6. TikTok Backlash: Smith’s TikTok video featuring them wearing Teletubbies high-heeled boots and a striped top with an image of a boy eating an apple drew unnecessary ire. Social media trolls went as far as suggesting that wearing the boots somehow equated to being a groomer. Even the leader of Britain First chimed in. Despite the negativity, Smith continues to shine and serve fierce looks on Instagram.
7. “Man I Am” Controversy: Smith’s inclusion on the soundtrack for the film “Barbie” with their song “Man I Am” caused some people to rage. The satirical flip-off to toxic masculinity was sung from Ken’s perspective, but some couldn’t handle a non-binary person releasing a song about being a man. Nevertheless, the soundtrack topped the charts and received a Grammy nomination, proving that Smith’s success speaks for itself.
Throughout 2023, Sam Smith fearlessly pushed boundaries, challenged societal norms, and unapologetically celebrated their identity. While they may have upset a few bigots along the way, their impact on the LGBTQ+ community and their status as
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“Sam Smith queer icon 2023”
