Draven Bennington, the 22-year-old child of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, has publicly come out as transgender. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Valentine's Day, Draven opened up about their transition journey, revealing they had privately come out last year and have since begun hormone replacement therapy.
Draven’s announcement was deeply personal, detailing their struggle with identity and the path they took to finally embrace their true self. "For a long time, I tried to be someone, 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 choosing," they shared in their post.
They went on to describe the pivotal moment when they decided to take action. "In August of last year, I decided to take the path of happiness and being true to myself. I came out as transgender and started hormone replacement therapy, and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made in my life."
Draven’s transition has been met with unwavering love and support from their family, particularly their mother, Samantha Bennington, who was married to Chester from 1996 to 2005.
Samantha publicly expressed her pride in her child, leaving a touching comment under Draven’s post.
"I’m so proud of you. I love you with all my heart and soul. You’re my favorite human on the planet. I just want you happy and healthy forever and always," she wrote, accompanied by heart emojis.
The supportive response reflects the strong bond Draven shares with their family, despite their father’s tragic passing in 2017.
Chester Bennington, known for his raw emotional lyrics and powerful performances with Linkin Park, was open about his own struggles with mental health, making his child's journey of self-acceptance even more poignant for those who admired him.
Draven’s announcement resonates beyond their personal experience—it serves as an inspiring message for others in the transgender community who may be facing similar challenges. By sharing their truth, they hope to encourage others to embrace their authentic selves and seek happiness in their own way.
The journey of self-discovery and transition is often deeply personal, and coming out can be a daunting experience, especially for the child of a widely recognized musician.
However, Draven’s courage in sharing their story publicly marks an important step forward, not just for them, but for countless others who may be seeking representation and affirmation.
Chester Bennington’s legacy continues to impact fans worldwide, with his music still serving as an emotional outlet for many. His openness about his personal struggles with depression and addiction made him a relatable and beloved figure.
Now, his child’s bravery in embracing their identity adds another layer to the Bennington family’s story—one that speaks to resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Since Draven’s announcement, fans and supporters have flooded social media with messages of encouragement, praising their strength and courage.
Many have also highlighted the importance of supportive family members like Samantha, who play a crucial role in affirming and uplifting their loved ones through such significant life changes.
As Draven continues their transition, their journey serves as a reminder of the importance of self-love and the power of living authentically. Their father’s music often carried messages of pain, hope, and perseverance, and in many ways, Draven’s story echoes those themes—choosing happiness, embracing change, and stepping into the future with confidence.
While Draven is still in the early stages of their transition, their message is clear: they are finally living as their true self, and they have no regrets about the decision. With their mother’s love and a growing community of supporters behind them, they are stepping into this new chapter of their life with optimism and determination.
Their public declaration marks not just a personal milestone, but also an important moment of visibility for the transgender community, offering hope to others who may be on a similar path.
