Draven Bennington, the 22-year-old child of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, has come out as transgender. In an emotional and heartfelt Instagram post shared on Valentine’s Day, Draven revealed her pronouns, her decision to transition, and her journey towards self-acceptance.
Draven, who now identifies with the pronouns she/her, explained that she began her transition last year. In her poignant message, she shared that Valentine’s Day felt like the right time to express her love for herself. “It’s a day to celebrate love and what love truly means,” she wrote, adding that it was the perfect occasion to show love to herself. The young artist emphasized that she had spent a long time trying to be someone she wasn’t, leading her to feel stuck between happiness and complacency. Finally, she decided to embrace her true identity.
Chester Bennington, who tragically passed away in 2017 at the age of 41, had Draven with his first wife, Samantha, in 2002. Draven reflected on the struggles of pretending to be someone she was not, but expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from her family and friends throughout her journey. She specifically thanked her mother for her “unconditional” love and encouragement, which Draven credits for helping her find the strength to fully embrace who she is.
In the post, Draven revealed that she began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in August of the previous year, calling it the “path of happiness.” For Draven, this decision marked a new chapter of living authentically and being true to herself. She expressed that this step had been one of the best decisions of her life and was now confident in her identity.
Her letter concluded with a hopeful and empowering message: “With all the support and love I’ve received, I’ve built the strength to love myself.” Draven encouraged others to love themselves too, stating, “Love is love,” and signed off with a simple yet powerful statement, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
This announcement not only marks a significant moment in Draven’s personal journey but also highlights the importance of love and acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community. As she continues to embrace her true self, Draven serves as an inspiration for others who may be navigating similar paths of self-discovery and authenticity.
