Chester Bennington’s child, Draven Bennington, has come out as transgender and announced she started transitioning last year. On Friday, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, the 22-year-old shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, embracing this new chapter in her life and taking a moment to ‘show herself some love.’
“For a long time, I tried to be someone I wasn’t,” Draven wrote, now using she/her pronouns. She explained that ignoring her true self worked for a while, but she kept reaching a point where she had to choose between being happy or just going along with things—and she couldn’t keep picking the latter.
That’s why, in August 2024, she decided to start hormone replacement therapy and fully embrace who she is. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” she shared, adding that her friends and family, especially her mom, Samantha Bennington, have been incredibly supportive.
Draven expressed deep gratitude for everyone who has accepted her for who she is, saying, “With all the love and support I’ve received, I’ve finally found the strength to love myself. That’s why I’m done hiding. Love is love. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Chester Bennington and Samantha welcomed Draven in April 2002. The Linkin Park frontman was also a father to five other children from different relationships. He tragically passed away in July 2017 at the age of 41.
Back in June 2022, Draven honored her late father on Instagram for Father’s Day, sharing a nostalgic photo of them together. “Happy Father’s Day! Miss you and love you so much, Dad!” she wrote alongside the picture of them posing with a painting.
She recalled how they had created the artwork together for a cancer charity, spending three days painting non-stop to finish it. “I wasn’t the most patient when it came to waiting for paint to dry back then, and I definitely drove him crazy asking if it was ready yet,” she joked. “Love you so much!”
