Draven Bennington, the transgender child of Linkin Park’s late frontman Chester Bennington, said farewell to her former self in a viral social media post.
Chester, who died by suicide in 2017 at just 41, welcomed Draven with his first wife Samantha Olit, whom he was married to from 1996 until their divorce in 2005.
During Draven’s Valentine’s Day revelation that she was transitioning, she thanked Chester for his support throughout her life.
Now, in honor of Trans Awareness Week, Draven shared a poignant poem alongside a then-and-now photo of herself, reflecting on the journey of leaving her past behind.
‘Dear Boy, I still see those eyes staring back at me every time I look in the mirror, a bitter-sweet reminder that you were a part of me,’ she began.
‘Without you, I would never be where I am today.’
Draven Bennington, the transgender child of Linkin Park’s late frontman Chester Bennington, said farewell to her former self in a viral social media post
Chester, who died by suicide in 2017 at just 41, welcomed Draven with his first wife Samantha Olit, whom he was married to from 1996 until their divorce in 2005; (Draven and Chester pictured)
She continued: ‘When I was with you, it brought nothing but confusion and pain. I fantasise if things were changed, if my body actually felt attached to my brain. “Only if I was cis”, I say.
‘And another question rises my way. Will I remain the same with a new body, mind and face? Had the pain shaped me in a beautiful way?
‘And if I was cis, would I be who I am today? One day will those eyes go away? And if they do, will I remember their gaze?
‘I contemplate this day to day, as I embrace every change. The more and more features fade, so does the heartache you brought my way.
‘A sacrifice had to be made, and you dear boy got chosen that day. So, rest those eyes, rest away…goodbye dear boy, in dreams you’ll stay.’
The poem follows Draven’s empowering Valentine’s Day post, where she explained she was ‘choosing to no longer hide who I am.’
‘For a long time, I tried to be someone, someone I truly wasn’t on the inside,’ she wrote. ‘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 revealed she came out as trans in August 2024 and has begun gender-affirming care, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Now, in honor of Trans Awareness Week, Draven shared a poignant poem alongside a then-and-now photo of herself, reflecting on the journey of leaving her past behind
‘Dear Boy, I still see those eyes staring back at me every time I look in the mirror, a bitter-sweet reminder that you were a part of me,’ she began
‘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.’
She credited her support network, writing: ‘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 added: ‘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 her mom, 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!’
She closed her message with a Valentine’s Day shoutout: ‘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.’
Fans flooded the comments with love and well wishes at the time—but Samantha’s reaction stood out.
‘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.’
Chester himself had spoken on trans issues during a 2017 Twitter exchange about gender-neutral bathrooms, saying: ‘I think all bathrooms should be unisex. A family restroom is also an option for people with kids.’
‘And another question rises my way. Will I remain the same with a new body, mind and face? Had the pain shaped me in a beautiful way?’ the poem read
Samantha Olit and her child Draven pose together
The Linkin Park frontman, who battled substance abuse disorder, was found dead at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, south of Los Angeles , on July 20, 2017; (Chester is pictured in February 2017)
Though Draven was Chester and Samantha’s only child together, Chester was father to five other children from various relationships.
With his second wife, former Playboy model Talinda Bentley, he had 18-year-old son Tyler and 13-year-old twin daughters Lily and Lila.
He also fathered 28-year-old Jamie with ex Elka Brand and adopted Elka’s 27-year-old son Isaiah.
The Linkin Park frontman, who battled severe substance abuse disorder, was found dead at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, south of Los Angeles, on July 20, 2017.
His death was ruled a suicide by hanging – after he was discovered by a housekeeper in his bedroom.
