Cocona, a prominent member of the popular Japanese girl group XG, has bravely come out as transmasculine non-binary, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the global pop landscape. The announcement was made through a heartfelt letter shared with fans on Instagram on Saturday, December 6th, coinciding with their 20th birthday.

In their emotional statement, Cocona reflected deeply on personal identity, growth, and the journey toward self-acceptance. They revealed, "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. Earlier this year, I had top surgery. I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am." Cocona further elaborated on the challenges faced, stating, "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.’"

The rapper, vocalist, and performer expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support received from their XG bandmates, XGALX founder and producer Simon (Jakops), and their parents, acknowledging that their encouragement was instrumental in navigating this personal journey. The Instagram post, adorned with symbols of unity and infinity, concluded with a message of hope and solidarity: "May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart. And to everyone who needs it — may my love reach all of them."

The announcement quickly garnered an overwhelming outpouring of love, praise, and support from XG fans and the broader LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating Cocona’s honesty and courage. Shortly after Cocona's post, XGALX CEO and artistic director Simon (Jakops) released his own statement on Instagram, expressing deep respect and unwavering support for Cocona. He wrote, "I am deeply moved and filled with respect as Cocona courageously shared their passion with the world. 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 also reflected on the group's collective journey into adulthood and reaffirmed XG's mission to transcend music and visuals, aiming to share "the pure and essential heart of each member" with their global fanbase.

Since their debut under XGALX in 2022, XG has achieved international acclaim for their polished performance style, distinctive multilingual lyrics, and empowering message of female empowerment. Cocona’s public coming out marks a particularly impactful and visible milestone for LGBTQ+ representation, especially within the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries, where dialogues surrounding gender identity continue to evolve and gain more visibility.