XG member Cocona comes out as transmasc non-binary after having top surgery

XG member Cocona has come out as transmasculine non-binary and revealed that they had top surgery earlier this year.

Writing in a moving post on XG’s official Instagram account on 6 December, Cocona’s 20th birthday, the Japanese rapper wrote that being “perceived as female” had “never represented who I truly am”.

The musician added that living “in a way that feels more masculine” felt more “true” to them.

“I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary. Earlier this year, I had top surgery,” Cocona began their statement.

“The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself. But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door. That moment changed the way I see and understand the world, and it gave me the courage and strength to grow,” they continued.

“Now, I can finally say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.’”

Cocona added that they had the full support of their XG band members, the group’s founder Simon, and their parents.

Rounding off their statement, the superstar wrote: “May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart. And to everyone who needs it — may my love reach all of them.”

@pinknews

XG’s Cocona comes out as transmasculine non-binary. The 20-year-old rapper announced the news in an Instagram post: “I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am.” The post was shared on their birthday, to XG’s official Instagram account: “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,” Cocona said in the statement. “I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary. Earlier this year, I had top surgery.” The statement continues: “I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am. The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself. But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door. That moment changed the way I see and understand the world, and it gave me the courage and strength to grow. Now, I can finally say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.’” #XG #Cocona #CoconaXG #ComingOut #Transmasculine

♬ Epic Inspiration Acoustic Piano Violin – ISAo

At the time of writing, the post has received more than 1.3 million ‘likes’ on the platform.

Through their work with XG, Cocona is best known for their singles including “Woke Up” and this year’s “Million Places”, both of which became top ten hits on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. The group’s 2024 EP Awe also reached the top three in Japan, top 20 in South Korea, and top 200 in the US.

XG have also won two MTV Video Music Awards in Japan.

Cocona was inundated with love from fans on social media following their announcement, with one praising them as “a bad ass”.

“Cocona is such a bad ass – delivery is insane. Proud of them,” the fan wrote on Reddit.

“I’m literally so happy, congrats Cocona!! I’m so glad they felt comfortable sharing this with the world,” a second wrote.

A third gushed: “It’s so important for people have representation, so someone as famous and talented as them to come out like this it will be such a great example for others to follow. I’m so happy they can be who they are.”

Others commended Cocona for sharing their truth despite “the industry they’re in”.

Though XG is a Japanese, R&B music group, they are based in South Korea as part of the collective of K-pop idols – ie, Korean pop superstars.

The number of out LGBTQ+ K-pop idols is slim, with only a handful revealing their identities publicly.

Earlier this year, fourth-generation K-pop idol Cherry, formerly known as Ryujin from the group JWiiver, came out as a trans woman.

In April, Bain of K-pop group JUST B came out as gay live on stage.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.