The late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington’s child, Draven, has publicly come out as transgender.
The 22-year-old, whose father tragically passed away by suicide in 2017, revealed that they began their transition in August 2024 and described the journey as the best decision they’ve ever made.
In their emotional post shared on Valentine’s Day, Draven reflected on self-love and acceptance, explaining that they had struggled for years with their identity.
“As today is a day to celebrate love and what love truly means, whether it’s for a partner, family, or ourselves, I thought it would be the perfect time to show some love to myself,” they penned.
“For a long time, I tried to be someone, someone I truly wasn’t on the inside,” they said. “Ignoring it worked for a while, but continuously coming to the crossroads of being happy or being complacent was one I couldn’t keep crossing.”
Draven penned that in August 2024, they decided to come out and begin hormone replacement therapy.
“I do have to say I am very blessed to be able to do this, as well as having very supportive family and friends. I love each and every one of you who have shown me nothing but love and respect and see me for who I truly am,” they added.
Draven gave a heartfelt shout-out to their mom, Samantha Bennington, for her unwavering support.
“You’ve always unconditionally loved me. I’m so blessed to be your child! I love you to the moon and back!” they penned.
The proud parent, who was married to Chester from 1996 to 2005, responded in the comments: “I’m so proud of you. I love you with all my heart and soul. You’re my favorite human on the planet. I just want you happy and healthy forever and always.”
The Linken Park artist had six children, including Draven. He shared son Tyler, 18, and twin daughters Lily and Lila, 13, with second wife Talinda Bentley, as well as sons Jamie, 28, and Isaiah, 27, from his relationship with Elka Brand.
Draven previously spoke about their close bond with their siblings in a 2023 interview with PEOPLE. “We’ve always had a great bond. I definitely have a closer bond with my younger siblings, just because we’re closer in age, but they’re all great,” they reveale.d
Like their father, Draven is pursuing a career in music and hopes to one day make the same impact on fans that Chester did.
“Every time I hear somebody’s story, telling like how much my dad’s music impacted their life, I just think it’s really beautiful,” they said. “I think that’s really sweet how something that he was just doing as a passion, what he loved, had that effect on so many people.”
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