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The late Chester Bennington‘s child is bravely coming out. On Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 14), Draven Bennington took to Instagram to publicly announce that she is transgender, noting that her decision came after a long time trying to be be someone she “wasn’t on the inside.” Keep reading to find out more…“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 show some love to myself,” Draven, 22, started. “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,” she continued. “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,” Draven wrote. “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.” She then went on to give her mom Samantha Bennington a special shout-out. “Especially Mom, you’ve always unconditionally loved me. I’m so blessed to be your child!” Draven wrote. “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.” Along with Draven, Chester was also dad to five other children with different women. The Linkin Park singer died by suicide in July 2017 at the age of 41. Days after sharing her initial message, Draven shared another post thanking everyone for their support. “To each and everyone of you, Thank you dearly for showing me so much love and support! I’ve shed many happy tears reading all of your kind words, you all light up my heart and soul!” Draven wrote on February 17. “There’s not enough words for me to express how much gratitude I have for you all especially during times like these…You all are proving that love will always outshine hate! Love you all!” She continued, “To my trans brothers, sisters and anyone who need to hear this, You are not alone! You are valid! You deserve to be seen, heard, loved and respected! Be yourself unapologetically, be proud of who you are! I know everything going on is very scary but with love and support we will get through this just as our elders did! Being true to ourselves is one of the most powerful things we can do! Most importantly love yourself, take care and stay safe!” Draven then went on to address the “bigots.” “I hope you learn the valuable lessons of love. Until then I wish every time you turn off the lights and walk to bed that you step on a Lego,” Draven wrote. “It’s clear that you are filled with ignorance and hatred and I hope one day you find your way out. You can try all you want to tear us down but we will just stand up taller and more proud! If me living my best life makes you mad, I hope it gets under your skin…actually I LOVE that it gets under your skin!” Draven concluded her message by writing, “Peace, Love and Happiness to all!” She also answered a few question in the caption of her post: “I’m keeping the name Draven (it’s pretty androgynous and can’t think of a cooler name lol.) I prefer she/her pronouns, please don’t use he/him pronouns. Also so many people are asking so I’ll leave this here. I fall somewhere on the bi/pan spectrum but I haven’t completely figured out which I identify with.”
