Draven Bennington, the transgender child of late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, has spoken about changing the stigma around LGBTQ+ mental health. She shared the message on Instagram after releasing her first song, “Follow Your Heart.”
She explained why mental health is the focus of her debut single. She linked it to her own experience, her family’s experience and how common these issues are in the LGBTQ community.
“Talking about mental health with my first single is so important to me because of my own personal experience with mental health, my own family’s experience with mental health, and how prevalent it is in the LGBTQ community, which I love and adore,” Bennington said.
She then described what she hopes the song will achieve.
“I really want to just raise awareness and change the stigma around a lot of these things that are out there,” she continued. “And really shed a light onto healing and that whole journey.”
“Follow Your Heart” is a message about being yourself, ignoring haters and pursuing your dreams unapologetically. Bennington announced the release on Instagram. She said the track is available to download on her website. She also said she made the song “for those who really need it.”
The song speaks directly to listeners who are struggling with self-doubt. “If you’re ever at a point where you are second guessing yourself, stop and listen to this song!” she said. That message of self-acceptance matches her advocacy for LGBTQ+ mental health.
Her focus on mental health also connects to her father’s legacy. Chester Bennington’s widow, Talinda Bennington, launched 320 Changes Direction after his death. The initiative is named for his March 20 birthday. It works to change the culture around mental health, mental illness and addiction.
Draven has also spoken about how her father’s story is remembered. “I want to change the narrative,” she said.
