Draven Bennington, the 22-year-old daughter of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, has come out as transgender.
Draven, previously known by male pronouns, updated her Instagram bio to reflect her identity with “she/her” pronouns.
She is the daughter of Chester and his first wife, Samantha Olit, to whom he was married from 1996 until their divorce in 2005, the same year Chester married Talinda.
Chester tragically died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 41, leaving behind a legacy through his music and the impact he had on fans worldwide.
On Friday, Draven revealed that she began her gender transition in August last year, including starting hormone replacement therapy.
Sharing the news on Instagram, she reflected on her journey and the importance of self-love.
She wrote, “As today is a day to celebrate love and what love truly means, whether it’s for a partner, family, or ourselves, I thought it would be a perfect time to show some love to myself.”
She continued, “For a long time, I tried to be someone I truly wasn’t on the inside.”
“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 went on to say that coming out and starting hormone therapy was “the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
She expressed gratitude for the support from her family and friends.
She added, “I do have to say I am very blessed to be able to do this, as well as having very supportive family and friends.”
“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.”
In a heartfelt message to her mother, she wrote, “Especially Mom, you’ve always unconditionally loved me. I’m so blessed to be your child! I love you to the moon and back!”
Draven is one of Chester Bennington’s six children, including brother Tyler, 18, twin sisters Lily and Lila, 13, and older siblings Jamie, 28, and Isaiah, 27.
