I'm a gay man who came out when I was 10 years old, and there's nothing in my life that I'm prouder of.
Interpretation
Coming out as gay is a significant and proud moment in one's life.
Sam Smith's quote reflects the immense courage it takes to embrace one's identity, especially at such a young age. Coming out is often a profound personal journey, and for Smith, being open about his sexuality since the age of 10 has been a source of pride and empowerment, highlighting the importance of authenticity in one's life.
In practice
During LGBTQ+ awareness events, you might quote this to emphasize the importance of acceptance.
I'll be excited when I get my heart broken properly for the first time. I'll be like, 'Thank God I've experienced something. Someone wanted to kiss me.' That's when it's going to be interesting: When you break up, they're taking a piece with them.
It was only until I started to be myself that the music started to flow and people started to listen. So, thank you guys...
Hearing a whole entire room sing back to me, 'I guess it's true I'm not good at a one-night stand,' you know, I just can't explain the feeling. It's unreal. You feel like you've just read your diary to thousands of people and they've gone, 'It's okay. We still love you.'
I don't want to make music that is hot now; I want to make music that is hot forever.
I still suffer terribly from stage fright. I get sick with fear. Not every night, but at the beginning and on occasion - not necessarily when I'm expecting it. You just have to cope with it - take it on the chin and work through it, trying to use the adrenalin to perform.
The flagrantly gay Quentin Crisp dealt with homophobic bullying by refusing to bow to its onslaught. His number listed in the phone directory, he responded to derogatory remarks accompanied with a stated intent to kill him by asking, "Would you like to make an appointment?"
This conflict is one thing I've been waiting for. I'm well and strong and young - young enough to go to the front. If I can't be a soldier, I'll help soldiers.
A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.
How many more times do we have to come to terms with death before we find safety?" he asked. He waited a few minutes, but the three of us didn't say anything. He continued: "Every time people come at us with the intention of killing us, I close my eyes and wait for death. Even though I am still alive, I feel like each time I accept death, part of me dies. Very soon I will completely die and all that will be left is my empty body walking with you. It will be quieter than I am.
You've got to be closer to the edge than ever to win. That means sometimes you go over the edge, and I don't mean driving, either.
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