Chester Bennington’s Child Draven Comes Out As Trans

The child of the Linkin Park singer made the announcement as part of a message she shared to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Draven Bennington also revealed that she is on hormone replacement therapy and that coming out as trans is the “best decision” she has ever made.

On her Instagram page, Draven shared for the first time publicly that she is transgender after coming out in August 2024.

The statement from the artist, which was heavily laden with emotions, revealed how she had initially struggled with her feelings before finally coming to terms with them.

“For a long time, I tried to be someone, someone I truly wasn’t on the inside,” she wrote in a note. “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.”

She added, “In August of last year, I decided to take the path of happiness and being true to myself. I came out as transgender.”

Draven went on to say that she has started hormone replacement therapy, which is a treatment that is administered to transgender and gender fluid people to closely align their gender identity with their physical appearance.

According to Draven, sharing the news on Valentine’s Day felt like the “perfect time,” as the day is meant to celebrate love.

As it stands, they have no regret about making the life-changing decision, describing it as the “best decision” they have ever made.

They also acknowledged the support they have received from friends and family, particularly their mother, Samantha Bennington, who was married to Chester from 1996 to 2005.

“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 said in the emotional piece. “Especially Mom, you’ve always unconditionally loved me. I’m so blessed to be your child.

“With all the support and love I’ve received, I’ve built the strength to love myself. This is why I’m choosing to no longer hide who I am. Love is Love,” they concluded.

Draven’s mother showed support for her child by penning a loving remark to note how proud she was of the singer for sharing her decision with the public.

“I’m so proud of you. I love you with all my heart and soul,” Draven’s mother wrote in the post’s comment section.

She added, “You’re my favorite human on the planet. I just want you happy and healthy forever and always.”

Fans also sent in loving messages to support the 22-year-old.

One wrote, “Beautifully written! Happy Vday! Never stop loving yourself, you beautiful human. Much love & warmth.”

A second individual commented, “You’re so right. So beautifully written. Be who you are; you are unique and special. Happy Valentine’s Day,” while a third remarked, “Chester would be proud of you.”

Another user penned, “We support you!!! Your dad would’ve supported you also!!! You have a great mom!”

One more person wrote, “Draven, I fully support you in your transition and truth of who you are. Sending you so much love.”

In an exclusive with People Magazine, Draven once shared moments from their early years growing up with her father.

They recalled a trip to Australia with Chester, who was on tour with his rock band at the time.

“I don’t know if it was my first time going with them, but it’s the first that I remembered at least,” Draven told the outlet at the time. “We went out there with a bunch of my siblings, and he had a couple of shows going on, but we also did family stuff. It was a great vacation.”

She also revealed that Chester made sure to spend time bonding with all of his children whenever he took a break from touring.

“One of our biggest things that we would do together and to go rock climbing,” she said. “Every now and then, we’d go out and go rock climbing at this place, Hangar 18. It was just one of our favorite things.”