Singer Sam Smith has announced he wants to be referred to as "they" rather than "he", six months after revealing he doesn't identify as male or female.

Sky News respects Smith's wishes and will refer to him as they in the rest of this article.

Smith posted on Instagram on Friday confirming earlier reports suggesting the British star wanted the pronoun change.

The 27-year-old said: "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."

Smith added: "I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you."

View this post on Instagram

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

A post shared by Sam Smith (@samsmith) on Sep 13, 2019 at 6:57am PDT

In an interview with actress Jameela Jamil on her I Weigh show in March, Smith revealed they do not identify as male or female.