KATSEYE Members Make Waves: Coming Out, Drag Race, and Championing Trans Allyship

The past year has seen meteoric success for KATSEYE, an international pop group formed through the widely-watched YouTube reality series "Dream Academy", a collaboration between Hybe and Geffen Records. Since their 2023 debut, the group—comprising Sophia Laforteza, Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeong—has captivated global audiences with their talent, energy, and candor about personal identity .

Visibility for queer artists in mainstream pop music took a leap forward when two KATSEYE members, Lara Raj and Megan Skiendiel, came out publicly. Lara, who first spoke about her sexuality on Weverse, a fan interaction platform, described knowing she was “half fruitcake” from a young age—a playful and self-affirming way to share her queerness . She reflected on the anxiety she felt during the group’s competition phase, fearing that openness about her identity might affect her chances in the industry. However, the response from fans was overwhelmingly supportive, giving her “so much love and support” that helped her feel confident in herself .

Shortly after Lara’s announcement, fellow member Megan Skiendiel also came out as bisexual during a live broadcast on Weverse. In a candid moment, Megan asked Lara, “Should I just do it?” before telling fans she is bisexual, making her the second bandmate to come out publicly . The interaction not only highlighted the strong bond between the members but also reinforced the group’s message of authenticity and acceptance.

KATSEYE’s advocacy extends beyond their personal stories. In a recent interview, the members discussed their admiration for transgender people within their fanbase and in the wider entertainment world, emphasizing that trans allyship should be “a no-brainer” . Their comments arrive at a time of heightened visibility and backlash against transgender rights in many countries, making their stance both timely and significant.

The group cited inspiration from trans icons and expressed deep appreciation for the courage and resilience shown by transgender people in the face of adversity. This vocal support has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom see KATSEYE as role models for inclusive allyship in popular culture .

KATSEYE’s embrace of drag culture is another facet of their inclusive ethos. Sharing their love of "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and the artistry of drag performers, the group has highlighted the importance of queer joy and creative self-expression. Speaking to The Pink News, band members described drag as “an explosion of creativity” that has influenced their stage presence and reinforced their commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility .

Their openness about sexuality and gender expression stands in contrast to the often-guarded approach in K-pop, where personal lives are typically kept private. For KATSEYE, blending Western expectations of celebrity transparency with the mystique of K-pop has been a balancing act. Lara Raj explained that “finding harmony between the two worlds” has helped them connect with fans while maintaining boundaries that foster creative freedom .

The response from KATSEYE’s fanbase has been notably positive, with many expressing gratitude for the group’s willingness to speak openly about queer identity and allyship. Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of support, with hashtags celebrating the members’ courage and calls for more LGBTQ+ representation in the global music scene .

Industry observers note that KATSEYE’s visibility may help shift attitudes in the music business, particularly in markets where queerness is still stigmatized. Their success and candor could inspire other artists to live authentically and speak up for marginalized communities, furthering the cause of equality and acceptance.

As KATSEYE continues their U.S. tour and promotes their latest EP "Beautiful Chaos", the group’s message remains clear: celebration of individuality, unwavering support for transgender people, and joy in queer expression are at the heart of their music and public presence .

Tickets for their tour are on sale now, with performances scheduled across major cities through December. With their growing platform, KATSEYE is poised to continue sparking conversations and breaking barriers for LGBTQ+ artists and fans around the world.