Sam Smith has spoken out about being the victim of homophobic attacks as well as the bullying he has faced from within the gay community.
Speaking to UK newspaper The Sun, Smith says that when he first moved to London, he was the victim of verbal and physical attacks from homophobes as well as from those within the gay community.
“When I moved to London I got punched in the neck walking back from work. It was definitely homophobic. I was on the phone speaking quite loudly and had pink headphones on, so it was pretty clear I was gay.”
Speaking on bullying within the gay community, Smith says that his “whole world crashed” during his first experience at a gay club.
“When I was 17 I decided to go gay clubbing in Soho in London. I remember walking in and this gay guy turned to his mate and said something really nasty about me. My whole world just crashed and I had a really lonely feeling. I knew then it was going to take a lot longer to be accepted. There’s a lot of homophobia and bullying in the gay community.
Smith also spoke on the issue of body image. “There’s also a lot of body dysmorphia in the gay community, which means if you’re not toned and skinny it can be awful.”
Article | Levi Joule.
