Sam Smith shared a message Tuesday about body positivity just in time for the gluttony of the holidays.
“Christmas time is upon us. This time of the year always triggers tricky body issues with me,” the singer wrote on Instagram, where they posted a photo of their chest. “I love me some mince pies and all the trimmings, and I always find I gain a bit of weight during this time.”
Smith encouraged fans to “make sure we remind our bodies during this time that no matter what weight we are, we are deserving of love and acceptance.”
The 27-year-old “I’m Not The Only One” singer added: “Let’s love our fluctuating bodies. Look in that mirror and shower that reflection with Christmas kindness. Be super soft. It’s an everyday struggle for me. You aren’t alone.”
Earlier this year, Smith reflected on being bullied for having “breasts.”
“I had liposuction, I was 12 years old,” they said. “At the time I think I was very happy about it. It didn’t really change anything. I think I put the weight back on in two weeks because I hadn’t figured out my relationship with food, so it didn’t really change anything.”
Smith said they gain weight “in places that women put on weight,” which made them question their gender. “Maybe I’m not a man, maybe I’m not a woman, and maybe that’s okay,” Smith said. “I am not male or female. I think I float somewhere in between — somewhat on the spectrum.”
In September, Smith publicly adopted the gender-neutral pronouns “they” and “them.”
On Instagram, they explained: ”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.”