XG member Cocona has made a courageous and deeply personal announcement regarding their gender identity.
On December 6, Cocona took to XG's official social media to come out as 'AFAB Transmasculine Non-Binary'. For clarity, AFAB stands for "Assigned Female At Birth." Transmasculine is an umbrella term for individuals who were assigned female at birth but identify with masculinity more than femininity. Non-binary refers to a gender identity that does not fit within the strict male-or-female binary. Together, Cocona is expressing an identity that aligns with masculinity and exists outside of the traditional gender binary, while acknowledging their assigned sex at birth.
In the heartfelt post, Cocona explained the reason for this revelation: "Facing the major turning point of turning 20, I wanted to share, even just a little, the thoughts I've kept deep in my heart for so long."
Cocona continued, "I am AFAB Transmasculine Non-Binary. I underwent top surgery (chest masculinization surgery) this year."
"The hardest thing in my life was accepting and acknowledging myself," Cocona wrote. "Now that I have accepted myself, even just a little, and moved forward even 0.1 steps, I feel I have been able to open a new door."
Along with the letter, Cocona shared a powerful photo posing with flowers, wearing only a black jacket. Visible on their chest are the scars from the top surgery, displayed proudly and without filter.
Cocona concluded the message with hope and gratitude: "I hope this post becomes even a small light in someone's heart. I hope it reaches everyone who needs my love." Cocona also expressed deep gratitude to the XG members, their parents, and Executive Producer Jakops (Simon Junho Park) for supporting this journey of self-acceptance and growth.
Jakops, the CEO and producer of XGALX, immediately shared a message of public support. "Today, as Cocona courageously shares their heart with the world, I am filled with sincere emotion and deep respect," Jakops wrote. "I will continue to provide sincere support so that each person can be respected and love their life not just as an 'active artist,' but as a human being."
He added, "While I am proud of the flashy music and visuals XG creates, what I want to convey to the world more than anything is the pure and essential hearts of the members. That genuine energy, love, and human growth is the 'CORE' of XG and XGALX."
Celebrating that all members have now reached adulthood as of this year—eight years after he first met them—Jakops also released a commemorative group photo taken on Coming of Age Day.
SEE ALSO: K-netizens share mixed reactions to XG’s Cocona coming out as nonbinary
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