XG’s Cocona appears on their anniversary as transmasculine non-binary

XG’s Cocona celebrated their twentieth anniversary with an announcement: they are transmasculine, non-binary.

The rapper from celebrated Japanese group XG took to Instagram and revealed that they underwent top surgery earlier this year and are AFAB (Assigned Female At Birth) transmasculine non-binary. With the support of their family, friends, members and the label, Cocona feels free to be who they really are.

In the post, shared with their 3.2 million followers, the artist’s images proudly display their surgical scars. They write:

Hello, this is Cocona. 🐉

Today I turned 20.☺︎

As I reach this new chapter in my life, I want to share something that has 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 a woman, but that label never represented who I really am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am.

The hardest thing I’ve ever experienced was accepting and embracing myself.

But when I started doing that slowly, 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.” I could only get this far because of the people who listened and supported me: my members, Simon-san, and my parents. 🫶

I am truly grateful for this path and every miracle that has brought us together.

This post has gotten a bit long, but I just wanted to thank you – for walking beside me and supporting me all the way.

I’m so excited about the future we will continue to create together with XG and XGALX. 🌏🌎🌍👽♾️

May these words gently ignite a spark in someone’s heart.

And to all who need it, may my love reach them all.

With love, always. 🤍

XGALX CEO and XG producer Simon Jakops expressed his support for Cocona in an IG post.

Hello, this is SIMON.

Today, as COCONA expressed to the world with great courage what is in her heart, I am filled with deep admiration and respect.

I will continue to sincerely support all of our members, not only as artists but also as individuals, so that they can be truly respected for who they are and live a life they truly love.

Of course, I’m very proud of XG’s art. But most of all, I want the world to see the sincere spirit and pure heart that each of them carries within them.

That real energy, love and personal growth are the essence of who we are: the 核 (CORE) of XG and XGALX. Like the chip at the center of a semiconductor, it may not be visible from the outside, but it is the heartbeat that powers everything we do.

I will continue to protect this CORE, resonating with the inner ‘frequency’ of each member, and doing my utmost to allow that resonance to spread warmly throughout the world.

It’s been eight years since we first met, and now each member has officially become an adult.

To celebrate this milestone, I’m honored to share with you special photos we took on Coming-of-Age Day earlier this year.

May their courage, love and journey of growth bring inspiration and hope to many people around the world.

With deep respect and love, SIMON (JAKOPS)

Cocona is the first to openly come out as an AFAB transmasculine nonbinary in the Asian pop industry. While Cocona isn’t the first non-binary K-pop group, Khloeand Jo Kwon came out as sexless (which falls in the non-binary umbrella), their coming out will have a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ industry, especially within the Asian music community.

Since their debut in 2022, Their first full album, THE COREwill be released in January and then embark on their second world tour in Japan in February, before expanding to Asia, North America, the UK, Europe and more.