Draven Bennington, whose father was the late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, has come out as transgender.
Although Draven was previously referred to as ‘he,’ the 22-year-old’s Instagram bio has been changed to contain ‘she/her’ pronouns.
Chester welcomed Draven with his first wife Samantha Olit, whom he was married to from 1996 until their eventual divorce in 2005.
The rock star committed suicide by hanging in 2017 at the age of just 41 but remains warmly remembered by his family, including Draven.
This Friday, Draven unveiled a gender transition process that began last August and includes hormone replacement therapy.
‘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 a perfect time to show some love to myself,’ she began the message.
Draven Bennington (pictured), whose father was the late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, has come out as transgender
Pictured with the late rocker in a throwback snap
‘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.’
Draven added: ‘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.’
Read More
What happened to former Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington? Inside the heartbreaking story of singer's death in 2017 – after the band's reunion announcement
The showbiz legacy continued: ‘I do have to say I am very blessed to be able to do this, as well as having very supportive family and friends.
Draven went on: ‘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.’
Turning to Samantha, she wrote: ‘Especially Mom, you’ve always unconditionally loved me. I’m so blessed to be your child! I love you to the moon and back!’
The TV personality concluded her message: ‘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.’
Underneath the message, the comments were flooded with well wishes from fans – but Samantha’s reaction stood out from the rest.
‘I’m so proud of you,’ she wrote. ‘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.’
Although Draven was previously referred to as ‘he,’ the 22-year-old’s Instagram bio has been changed to contain ‘she/her’ pronouns
This Friday, Draven unveiled a gender transition process that began last August and includes hormone replacement therapy
Chester welcomed Draven with his first wife Samantha Olit, whom he was married to from 1996 until their eventual divorce in 2005; Draven and Samantha pictured in an Instagram snap
Chester committed suicide by hanging in 2017 at the age of just 41 but remains warmly remembered by his family, including Draven; Chester is pictured in February 2017
(from left) Chester is pictured in 2007 with his Linkin Park bandmates Ron Bourdon, Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, Brad Delson and Dave ‘Phoenix’ Farrell in New York
Chester himself once spoke out on trans issues during a 2017 Twitter exchange involving the controversy over gender-neutral bathrooms.
When asked about a ‘trans bathroom law,’ Chester replied: ‘I think all bathrooms should be unisex. A family restroom is also an option for people with kids.’
Although Draven was the only child that Chester and Samantha had together, the rocker was a father to five other children from various relationships.
With his second wife, former Playboy model Talinda Bentley, he welcomed a now 18-year-old son called Tyler as well as 13-year-old twin daughters Lily and Lila.
He fathered a 28-year-old son called Jamie with his ex Elka Brand, and also adopted Elka’s now 27-year-old son Isaiah from another relationship.