The BRIT Awards are in talks to axe gender categories by 2021

The male and female categories have been around since the first BRIT Awards in 1977, but The Sunday Times reports that the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is looking at altering the awards to accommodate musicians who define themselves as non-binary.

A music industry source reportedly told The Sun, "Bosses are listening to changes happening in the industry. The categories will evolve in the coming years."

The source added, "The male and female categories will still be in place next February but changes are being planned for the following year. Organisers will be consulting labels and artists alike to work out what is best for the future of the BRITs ceremony."

Talks to alter the categories arrive hot on the heels of the announcement of Sam Smith's preferred pronouns. Smith wrote on Instagram, "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."

While the British Breakthrough Act, British Single, British Album Of The Year, British Single, British Video Of The Year, International Group, British Producer Of The Year, Global Sucess, and the Outstanding Contribution To Music awards aren't directed at a specific gender, the British Male Solo Artist, British Female Solo Artist, International Male Solo Artist, and the Internation Female Solo Artist awards will be reviewed for the future.