XG’s Cocona comes out as transmasculine non-binary on 20th birthday

They shared the news on Instagram, revealing they are AFAB transmasculine non-binary and underwent top surgery

XG’s Cocona marked their 20th birthday by publicly announcing that they are transmasculine and non-binary.

The rapper shared the news on Instagram, revealing they are AFAB transmasculine non-binary and confirming they underwent top surgery earlier in the year. Cocona said they now feel able to live as their authentic self with the support of family, friends, group members and their label.

In a message to their 3.2 million followers, Cocona posted photos displaying their surgical scars and wrote: “Hi, this is Cocona. Today, I turned 20. As I reach this new chapter in my life, I want to share something that’s been in my heart for a long time. I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary.”

They added that accepting themselves was the hardest challenge they had faced, explaining that opening up changed the way they see the world and gave them courage and strength to grow. Cocona expressed gratitude to their members, Simon-san and their parents, saying they were able to come this far because of those who supported them.

XGALX CEO and XG producer Simon Jakops responded with his own Instagram message, expressing admiration for Cocona’s courage. He stated, “I will continue to sincerely support each of our members, not only as artists but also as individuals, so that they can be genuinely respected for who they are and live lives they truly love.” He highlighted the group’s “true energy, love, and personal growth” as the core of XG and XGALX.

Cocona is the first artist in the Asian pop industry to come out openly as AFAB transmasculine non-binary. While not the first non-binary figure in the region, their announcement is expected to have a meaningful impact on LGBTQ+ representation within Asian music.

Since debuting in 2022, XG have gained international success, selling out world tours, collaborating with Riot Games and performing at Coachella. Their first full-length album, THE CORE, is due in January, followed by a second world tour beginning in Japan in February.