Sam Smith’s New Single ‘My Guy’ Marks a Milestone in LGBTQ Pop

Barry Walters, a writer for Rolling Stone, recently released a book titled Mighty Real, which chronicles the history of LGBTQ music. He highlights the impact of simple word choices in songs, particularly in the context of LGBTQ representation in music. Walters explains that LGBTQ individuals often mentally adjust the gender of pronouns in love songs by straight artists to better relate to the lyrics. This reflects a broader pattern where queer content in music is frequently marginalized, except in mainstream hits from major artists like Sam Smith.

Smith, a British singer who has sold millions of records, challenges this trend with his new single, “My Guy.” Unlike his previous, more confrontational hit “Unholy,” this song is significant for its straightforward depiction of a same-sex relationship through the use of a masculine noun. In the landscape of LGBTQ pop, this direct approach is uncommon, especially from an artist with Smith’s level of fame, making it noteworthy progress.

Historically, LGBTQ artists like Little Richard and David Bowie have made significant contributions to music through their challenging of norms and fluid expressions of gender. Such acts were often embraced by those with less to lose, exemplified by the rebellion at New York’s Stonewall Inn 57 years ago, where the LGBTQ community stood against oppression from law enforcement.

This summer, Sam Smith brings attention to LGBTQ themes with a gentle yet impactful ballad. The song’s repeated masculine noun represents a significant evolution in music, marking its place as a noteworthy advancement.

To experience the “gentle revolution” of Sam Smith’s My Guy, you can watch the official video on YouTube: Sam Smith – My Guy (Official Video).

You can explore more about LGBTQ music history in Walters’ book, Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000, available in various formats. More information is available on BarryWaltersWriter.com and SamSmithWorld.com.