On Valentine’s Day, 22-year-old Draven Bennington (child of the late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington) publicly came out as a trans woman.
“For a long time, I tried to be someone, someone I truly wasn’t on the inside… 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 wrote in part.
Now, Draven has taken to Instagram to answer a few questions.
“I’m keeping the name Draven (it’s pretty androgynous and can’t think of a cooler name lol.)” she wrote in the caption of her post. “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.”
She continued in a typed letter posted to Instagram, thanking the many people who commented in support.
“To each and everyone of you. Thank you dearly for showing me so much love and support!” she wrote. “I’ve shed so many happy tears reading all of your kind words, you all light up my heart and soul 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!”
Draven also called out those who have been less than supportive of her decision to transition, writing:
“To the bigots, I hope you learn the valuable lesson of love. Until then I wish every time you turn off the lights and walk to bed that you step on a Lego. 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!”
Taking the time to give some words of encouragement to others in the trans community, she wrote:
“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!”
“Peace. Love and Happiness to All,” Draven concluded.
