Linkin Park star Chester Bennington’s transgender child bids farewell to former self in viral poem: ‘Goodbye dear boy’

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Draven Bennington, the child of the late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, publicly announced their transition with a heartfelt post online.

Chester, who tragically took his own life in 2017 at the age of 41, had a son named Draven with his first wife, Samantha Olit. They were married from 1996 to 2005.

Draven came out as transgender on Valentine’s Day and expressed her gratitude to Chester for always being there for her.

To mark Trans Awareness Week, Draven posted a touching poem with a before-and-after photo, sharing her thoughts on moving forward from her past.

She started to speak, saying, “I still catch a glimpse of your eyes when I look in the mirror. It’s a painful but cherished memory of you being a part of my life.”

‘Without you, I would never be where I am today.’

She went on to explain that being with him caused her only confusion and pain. She often wonders what life would be like if her body aligned with her mind, wishing she were cisgender.

A new thought occurs to me: if I change completely – body, mind, and even my appearance – will I still be me? And has all the hardship I’ve endured somehow made me a better person?

If I hadn’t been born as the gender I am, would I be the person I’ve become? Will the way people look at me ever change? And if it does, will I still remember how it felt to be seen that way?

I think about this constantly, accepting that things are always changing. As my memories of you become fainter, the pain you caused me lessens too.

Someone had to be the one to go, and unfortunately, that person was you. Now, close your eyes and rest… farewell, dear friend, you’ll live on in our memories.

This poem comes after Draven shared a heartfelt message on Valentine’s Day, stating she was embracing her true self and would no longer hide it.

I spent a long time pretending to be someone I wasn’t, and it was exhausting. It worked for a while, but I kept reaching a point where I had to choose between being happy and just settling, and I couldn’t keep doing that.

Draven shared that she publicly came out as transgender in August 2024 and has started receiving gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy.

Last August, I embraced my true self and came out as transgender. Starting hormone therapy has been incredibly positive, and I truly believe it’s the best choice I’ve ever made.

She expressed gratitude for the people who helped her, saying she felt lucky to have such a supportive family and group of friends, which made it possible for her to pursue her goals.

Draven expressed his gratitude, saying he appreciates everyone who has shown him love, respect, and acceptance for who he is.

She turned to her mom and wrote: ‘Mom, you’ve always loved me no matter what, and I’m so lucky to be your daughter! I love you very much!’

She ended her message with a Valentine’s Day message about self-love and acceptance. She explained that the support she’d received helped her build confidence and embrace her true self, and that’s why she was choosing to live authentically. She finished with a simple, ‘Love is love’ and a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Fans flooded the comments with love and well wishes at the time—but Samantha’s reaction stood out.

Oh my gosh, reading her message just completely floored me! It said, ‘I’m so proud of you,’ and then… then she poured out her heart! She said she loves me with everything she has, that I’m her absolute favorite person in the whole world! It’s like, all she wants is for me to be happy and healthy, forever. Seriously, I think I’m going to frame that message. It’s everything.

Back in 2017, Chester shared his views on transgender issues during a Twitter conversation about bathrooms. He suggested that all bathrooms should be gender-neutral, and also mentioned family restrooms as a good option for parents with children.

Draven was the only child of Chester and Samantha, but Chester had five other children from previous relationships.

He shared two children with his second wife, Talinda Bentley: an 18-year-old son named 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.

Chester Bennington, the singer for Linkin Park, died by suicide at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, near Los Angeles, on July 20, 2017, after a long struggle with addiction.

His death was ruled a suicide by hanging – after he was discovered by a housekeeper in his bedroom. 

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2025-11-18 22:39