Chester Bennington’s child The Draven has revealed that they are transient.
In a Valentine’s Day message on Instagram (February 14), the 22-year-old child of the late Linkin Park Singer shared that they “came out as a transgender” in 2024 and are currently changing.
“Since today is a day to celebrate love and what love really means, whether it is to a partner, family or ourselves, I thought it would be the perfect time to show some love for myself,” the drave wrote in an entered note. “For a long time I tried to be someone, someone I really wasn’t on the inside. Ignoring it worked for a while, but continuously getting to the intersection to be happy or being self -satisfied was someone I couldn’t continue to cross. “
The Draven revealed that in August 2024 they made the life -changing decision to come out as a transgender and begin hormone replacement therapy. “It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” it said.
Since the sharing of the news, the Draven has received unwavering support from friends and family, including their mother, Samantha Bennington.
“I love every one of you who have shown me nothing but love and respect and see me for who I really am,” they added. “With all the support and love I have received, I have built the strength to love myself. Therefore, I no longer choose to hide who I am. Love is love. Happy Valentine’s Day, ”the Draven concluded.
Samantha Bennington, who was married to Chester from 1996 to 2005, expressed his pride and love for the Draven in the comment section in the post.
“I’m so proud of you. I love you with all my heart and soul, ”she wrote. “You are my favorite hammer on the planet. I just want you happy and healthy forever and always. “
Chester Bennington died by suicide in July 2017 at the age of 41. He struggled with drug and alcohol dependence throughout his life. In addition to the Draven, the musician sons Sons Tyler, 18, and twin daughters, Lily and Lila, 13, with his second wife, Talinda Bentley. He was also the father of sons Jamie, 28, and Isaiah, 27, from his relationship with ex-partner Elka Brand.
The draven who has followed in their father’s footsteps to pursue a career in music, shared in 2023 with People That they hope to have a lasting impact on fans, just like Chester did.
“Every time I hear a person’s story and tells as much as my father’s music affected their lives, I just think it’s really beautiful,” said the Draven. “I think it’s really sweet how something he just did as a passion, what he loved, had that effect on so many people.”
See the draft’s full Valentine’s Day post on Instagram below.