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Cocona of global girl group XG celebrated their 20th birthday with deeply personal revelation. They publicly came out as a transmasculine non-binary person. Earlier this year, they underwent top surgery, later sharing photos that proudly showcased their scars—moments that reflected not just a milestone in their transition but also their growing comfort in their identity.
RELATED: Closet Confessions: How I Dressed Into My Queer Identity—At My Own Time
Breaking Boundaries in an Idol World
Transmasculinity describes an AFAB person who leans toward the masculine spectrum, while being non-binary means their gender identity exists outside the conventional male–female binary. In Cocona’s case, this means they are neither a woman nor fully a man, but someone who finds home in masculinity without being defined strictly by it.
“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.”
– XG Cocona
XG Cocona has long challenged expectations within the idol space—from their buzzed head in XG’s visuals to their bold stage presence. These choices stood out in an industry where image, conformity, and tradition often dictate what idols can and cannot do.
“The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself,” the idol wrote—a reflection that hits deeply in a landscape where self-expression is often filtered or softened to appease conservative norms. But Cocona’s honesty signals a shift, one that many believe the industry is overdue for.
A Call for Inclusivity
Cocona is not alone in rewriting the narrative: Holland made waves as the first openly gay K-pop idol, whose music video “Neverland” garnered 1 million views in 20 hours, featuring him and another man kissing; Idol Cherry, also known as Chae Ryujin, publicly came out as a transgender woman earlier this year; K-pop group XLOV markets itself as a genderless K-pop group, openly embracing fluidity; Even KATSEYE’s Lara Raj and Megan Skendel recently shared that they identify as queer and bisexual, respectively.
Still, coming out is not without risks. Fans and idols alike recognize a long-standing contradiction: while the industry profits from gender ambiguity—soft masculinity, suggestive same-sex imagery, fluid fashion—artists are often discouraged or outright prevented from speaking openly about real queer identities.
This is where Cocona’s story resonates: it is both a celebration and a confrontation of the double standards that persist. Their coming out is more than a personal milestone—it is a reminder and a call. A reminder that inclusivity, dignity, and representation shouldn’t be exceptional. A call for the idol industry to embrace the present moment, where queer identities are not taboos, marketing tools, or fleeting trends—but lived experiences.
Because behind every stage persona, performance, and polished image is a real person—one who deserves the freedom to simply exist.
Featured Image and Photos: XG (via Instagram)
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