Singer Sam Smith announced on Instagram that they would like to be identified by non-binary pronouns from now on. The “Dancing With a Stranger” artist posted a lengthy heartfelt caption on September 13 that explains this new chapter in their life.

“Today is a good day, so here goes. I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM,” the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram to accompany a white photo with black text that read: “My pronouns are They/Them.”

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Today is a good day so here goes. I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM ❤ after a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out. I’m so excited and privileged to be surrounded by people that support me in this decision but I’ve been very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but fuck it! I understand there will be many mistakes and mis gendering but all I ask is you please please try. I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you. P.s. 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. If you have questions and are wondering what this all means I’ll try my best to explain but I have also tagged below the human beings who are fighting the good fight everyday. These are activists and leaders of the non binary/trans community that have helped me and given me so much clarity and understanding. @tomglitter @munroebergdorf @transnormativity @alokvmenon @katemoross @glamrou @travisalabanza @twyrent @chellaman @jvn @lavernecox @stonewalluk @glaad @humanrightscampaign @mermaidsgender Love you all. I’m scared shitless, but feeling super free right now. Be kind x

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The “Promises” songbird explained their decision behind the announcement and mentioned that they don’t want to succumb to social pressures. “After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out,” the caption continued. “I’m so excited and privileged to be surrounded by people that support me in this decision, but I’ve been very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but f—k it!”

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Sam added that they hope there will be a new layer of understanding to who they are. They added, “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.”

Sam Smith Performing at Lollapalooza 2019
ALBERTO VALDES/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

When it comes to their massive social media platform, Sam acknowledged that they still have a lot of learning to do about this next step. “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,” they admitted. “So, for now, I just want to be VISIBLE and open. If you have questions and are wondering what this all means I’ll try my best to explain but I have also tagged below the human beings who are fighting the good fight every day.”

Sam tagged other “activists and leaders of the non-binary/trans community” like Kate Moross, Chella Man, GLAAD and more. The Grammy winner explained that these people and organizations “helped me and given me so much clarity and understanding.”