XG Celebrates Their 20th Birthday as a Transmasculine Non-Binary Individual
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Cocona, a member of the group XG, publicly came out as transmasculine non-binary in a heartfelt letter shared with fans to celebrate their 20th birthday.
The rapper and vocalist released an emotional statement on Instagram on Saturday, reflecting on identity, growth, and self-acceptance.
“Today, I turned 20,” Cocona wrote. “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. Earlier this year, I had top surgery. I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am.”
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Cocona shared, “The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself… Now, I can finally say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.’” They expressed gratitude towards their XG bandmates, XGALX founder and producer Simon (Jakops), and parents, acknowledging their support throughout the journey.
The announcement resonated deeply within the fan community, drawing an outpouring of support and admiration. The post concluded with a message of hope: “May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart. And to everyone who needs it — may my love reach all of them.”
Following the announcement, Simon (Jakops) also took to Instagram to express his respect for Cocona. “I am deeply moved and filled with respect as Cocona courageously shared their passion with the world,” he stated. “I will continue to provide sincere support so that each member can be truly respected not only as a ‘working artist’ but also as a person.”
Simon reflected on the group’s significant milestones, noting that each member has now reached adulthood. He reiterated XG’s mission to showcase the authentic heart of each member to their global audience, emphasizing that their journey transcends music and visuals.
Since debuting under XGALX in 2022, XG has garnered international acclaim for their high-energy performances, multilingual lyrics, and message of female empowerment. Cocona’s coming out represents an important moment for LGBTQ+ visibility within the global pop sphere, particularly in the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries, where discussions around gender identity are increasingly relevant.
