XG’s Cocona comes out as transmasculine nonbinary

Cocona, a member of the global hip-hop and R&B group XG, has publicly come out as transmasculine nonbinary, sharing the announcement in a birthday Instagram post on Saturday, Dec. 6.

What she’s saying: In a heartfelt statement, Cocona revealed they are “AFAB transmasculine non-binary” and underwent top surgery earlier this year. “I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am,” they wrote, explaining they live “in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am.”

Cocona also described self-acceptance as “the hardest thing I’ve ever faced” but emphasized that embracing their identity allowed them to “open a new door” that changed how they see the world. Their post concluded with a message of hope: “May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart.”

Why this matters: Cocona’s announcement represents another significant milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in Asian pop music, where conversations about gender identity remain limited. As XG has risen to international prominence since their 2022 debut — gaining viral attention when Cocona was just 16 for their trilingual rapping abilities — this public declaration challenges traditional expectations within Japanese and Korean entertainment industries. Their coming-out demonstrates how representation at the highest levels of global pop can create space for authentic self-expression and inspire younger fans navigating their own identities.

What people are saying: The announcement received overwhelming support from fans and industry peers alike. Simon Jakops, CEO of XGALX, XG’s label, posted his own statement expressing being “deeply moved and filled with respect,” pledging continued support for each member “as a person” beyond their roles as artists. K-pop idol Bain of Just B, who made history in April as the first active boy group member to come out as gay, wrote that Cocona’s “courage and honesty moved me deeply.”

Katseye’s Megan, who came out as bisexual in June following bandmate Lara, commented with “so proud” and supportive emojis. Meanwhile, fan account @alphaz_0fficial noted, “We love you just the way you are, we always have and we always will.”