Draven Bennington, child of Chester Bennington, embraces her true self in powerful coming-out post

Draven Sebastian Bennington, the 22 year old child of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, has shared her journey of self-discovery and authenticity with the world. In a heartfelt post on Valentine’s Day, Draven revealed that she came out as transgender last year and began hormone replacement therapy a decision that she described as life-changing.
In her Instagram post, Draven reflected on the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, sharing, “Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love in all its forms, whether it’s for a partner, family, or ourselves. I felt it was the perfect moment to show some love to myself.”
Draven opened up about the internal struggle she faced for years that she always tried to be someone she wasn't,"I ignored my true self, and it worked for a while. But I kept facing the same decision—choosing between complacency and happiness. In August of last year, I finally chose happiness and began my transition.”
Since embracing her authentic self, Draven has felt a sense of freedom and empowerment. “Coming out as transgender and starting hormone therapy has been the best decision of my life,” she wrote adding that she feels incredibly lucky to have supportive family and friends who have shown me unconditional love and respect,"To those who see me for who I truly am, thank you. You’ve given me the strength to love myself.”

Among her greatest sources of support has been her mother, Samantha Bennington. Draven expressed her gratitude, stating that the love she’s received has helped her feel secure enough to live openly and authentically.
In her post, Draven also reached out to others in the transgender community, offering words of encouragement: “To my trans brothers, sisters and anyone who needs to hear this: You are valid, seen, and loved. Be unapologetically yourself and take pride in who you are. Though these times are challenging, we will overcome them together with love and support—just as our elders did before us.”
She also addressed any critics directly, ending her message with, “Peace, love and happiness to all!”
Draven answered a few common questions in her post as well. She confirmed that she will keep the name Draven, as she feels it’s androgynous and unique and she prefers to be addressed with she/her pronouns. Regarding her sexual orientation, she shared that she identifies somewhere on the bi/pan spectrum but hasn’t fully settled on a label yet.

Draven’s courageous and honest message has been met with an outpouring of love and support from friends, family and fans alike. Her story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the importance of unconditional love.