Former Linkin Park frontman’s trans child writes beautiful poem to her former self
Draven Bennington has shared a beautiful poem to her former self. (Instagram/dravenbstudios)
Draven Bennington has shared a beautiful poem to her former self. (Instagram/dravenbstudios)
The transgender child of Linkin Park’s one-time lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, has shared a poem for her former self online.
As part of Trans Awareness Week, which runs until Wednesday (19 November), Draven Bennington, who came out as trans on Valentine’s Day, posted the poem on Instagram.
It begins “Dear Boy” and appears alongside an old photo of Draven as well as a current one.
“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 wrote. “Without you, I would never be where I am today.
“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.”
Draven’s followers embraced the poem, with one writing that she was “one of the most beautiful, amazing souls”, while another said: “I’m so proud of you Draven and your dad will be proud of you too, he loved you so much.”
On 14 February, Draven shared an empowering Valentine’s Day letter and 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,” the musician 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 told followers that she came out as trans in August 2024 and has begun gender-affirming care, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “I decided to take the path of happiness and being true to myself,” she explained. “…It has been the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
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@pinknews Former Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington’s trans child shares a heartfelt letter to her former self, offering a glimpse into her journey since coming out publicly earlier this year. #chesterbennington #linkinpark #trans #transgender #lgbtqia
♬ Leave Out All The Rest – Linkin Park
