Chester Bennington’s kid Draven Bennington is beginning a new chapter.
The 22-year-old son of the Linkin Park singer, who died by suicide in 2017, disclosed in a Valentine’s Day Instagram post on February 14 that they “came out as transgender” last year and are in the process of transitioning, saying it was “the perfect time to show some love to myself.”
In the essay, Draven expressed, “For a long time, I tried to be someone I truly wasn’t on the inside.” “Ignoring it worked for a while, but I couldn’t keep choosing between happiness and complacency.”
“In August of last year, I decided to pursue happiness and be true to myself,” the television personality stated. “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 mentioned that they had gotten support from family and friends, particularly their mother, Samantha Bennington. “I love each one of you who have shown me nothing but love and respect and see me for who I truly am,” they said in an email.
“With all of the love and support I’ve gotten, I’ve gained the courage to love myself. This is why I’ve decided to no longer disguise who I am. “Love is love,” the artist said in the message, adding, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Draven previously discussed touring with their father’s rock band in the Paramount+ series Family Legacy, noting how the family spent valuable time together on the band’s off days.
“One of our favorite activities together was going rock climbing. That was normally what my little brother, Tyler, and I would do. Now and again, we’d go rock climbing at this spot called Hangar 18.” It was simply one of our favorite things,” Draven explained.
Draven’s family comprises brother Tyler, 18, and twin sisters Lily and Lila, 13, whom Chester welcomed with wife Talinda Bennington, as well as elder brothers Jamie, 28, and Isaiah, 27, from his former relationship with Elka Brand.
“We’ve always had a great bond,” Draven stated. “I definitely have a closer bond with my younger siblings, just because we’re closer in age, but they’re all great.”
Draven has dabbled in fashion and music. In terms of style, they also mentioned how much they admired their father’s willingness to personalize objects through personalized adaptations. Linkin Park’s albums, notably 2004’s Collision Course, have also influenced their sound.
“I think that album definitely has the most inspiration in my music style, but I also am inspired by having watched [my dad] have fun figuring out the right music,” according to Draven. “When I started doing it, it was just for fun and all on my own.”