Author’s Note: It is worth mentioning that at this time, Draven is still going by her birth name, but should this change, I will update this article to reflect said change. - LZL
In a time where transgender people are once again being written and legislated out of history and existence, it’s news like the following that can provide some hope.
In a Valentine’s Day post on Instagram, Draven Bennington, child of the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, came out as transgender, announced that she will now use she/her pronouns, and that she began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) back in August 2024.
The post reads as follows:
“Happy Valentine’s Day
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 the perfect time to show some love to myself. 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 crossing. 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. I do have to say I am very blessed to be able to do this, as well as having such 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. Especially Mom, you’ve always unconditionally loved me. I’m so blessed to be your child! I love you to the moon and back! With all the support and love I’ve received, I’ve built the strength to love myself. This is why I’m choosing to no longer hide who I am. Love is love.
Happy Valentine’s Day”
Draven has a hip-hop project known as RVRND, with her most recent track being “F_w_Me,” released in April 2023.
Her mother is Samantha Bennington, a music executive and life coach known for her memoir Falling Love Notes: Memories of a Rock Star’s Wife, as well as appearances for MTV2 and Paramount+ series about Chester and Linkin Park.
Sadly, not every fan has been welcoming of Draven’s revelation. For those who are trying to speak for the dead: first off, why?
Second, as Reddit user cpundmann725 pointed out in the r/LinkinPark thread, here is a speech from Chester himself in concert in Birmingham, England, just weeks before his untimely passing. If you had any doubts about whether or not Chester would accept his daughter, watch this, then pay closer attention to the music and the messages he made for the fans.
