Draven Bennington, the transgender child of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, recently shared an emotional open letter addressing her transition journey on Instagram.
In the heartfelt message, Draven reflects on her transformation and the complex emotions surrounding her past self. She contemplates the lasting impact of her transition. She wonders whether her pain has shaped her into who she is today.
“I still see those eyes staring back at me every time I look in the mirror. A bittersweet reminder that you were a part of me. Without you, I would never be where I am today. When I was with you, it brought nothing but confusion and pain,” Draven wrote. “I fantasize if things were changed, if my body actually felt attached to my brain. ‘Only if I was cis,’ I say.”
She continues to grapple with deeper questions about identity and change. “And another question rises my way. Will I remain the same with a new body, mind, and face? Has the pain shaped me in a beautiful way? And if I was cis, would I be who I am today? One day will those eyes go away? And if they do? Will I remember their gaze? I contemplate this day to day, as I embrace every change.”
Draven concludes her letter with a poignant farewell to her former self. “The more and more your features fade, so does the heartache you brought my way. A sacrifice had to be made, and you, dear boy got chosen that day. So the rest away… goodby dear boy, in dreams you’ll stay.”
The 22-year-old’s public coming out marks a significant milestone in her personal journey. According to South China Morning Post, Draven came out as transgender on Valentine’s Day through an Instagram post. She made her public declaration on a day symbolizing love and acceptance. She is the only child of Chester Bennington and his first wife, Samantha Bennington.
Draven’s transition began in earnest when she made the decision to come out as transgender in August 2024. She subsequently began hormone replacement therapy. The Times of India reported that she has described this as “the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.” In her public announcement, she reflected on years of internal struggle. She stated that she had “tried to be someone, someone I truly wasn’t on the inside” and that “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 uses she/her pronouns and has chosen to keep her name Draven, which she feels is androgynous and unique. Per the Times of India, she identifies somewhere on the bi/pan spectrum regarding sexual orientation. She hasn’t fully settled on a label.
Throughout her transition, Draven has received significant support from her family. Her mother, Samantha Bennington, has been a crucial source of encouragement and acceptance. Draven has expressed gratitude for the unconditional love and respect she’s received from her family and friends. This support has given her “the strength to love myself.” She has also used her platform to encourage others in the transgender community, stating: “You are valid, seen, and loved.”
