Linkin Park Star's Trans Child Bids Farewell To Her 'Boy' Self That Brought Her 'Confusion' And 'Pain'

The transgender child of late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, Draven Bennington, penned a viral emotional poem on social media where she bade farewell to her former "boy" self.

The musician came out as transgender back in February and thanked her late father for his support all her life.

Draven Bennington's poem moved fans and led them to the comment section to wish her well on her trans journey in the spotlight.

Draven, whose father was the late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, is receiving so much love and support after sharing an emotional poem on social media, bidding farewell to her former identity.

Chester welcomed the 23-year-old with his first wife, Samantha Olit, whom he was married to between 1996 and 2005, when they divorced.

It wasn't until earlier this year that Draven's pronouns on Instagram changed from "he" to "she/her," and to celebrate Trans Awareness Week, she showed off how proud she is of her newfound identity and the journey so far.

Sharing a before-and-after photo of herself, she wrote: "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."

"Without you, I would never be where I am today," she continued.

Draven went further to express how she felt pain and a sense of unfulfillment being her former self in the poem.

"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," she wrote. "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?"

Draven continued, "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?"

She then shared her expectations for the future, explaining that she had to "sacrifice" her former self to become a happier person.

"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," she said. "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."

Several fans took to the comment section to commend and wish Draven well on her new identity, but her mother's remark was the most heartfelt.

Samantha wrote, "This is such a beautiful poem. I'm so proud of this writing skills in your creativity, and you're so deep and beautiful. You're just one of the most beautiful, amazing souls I've ever had an honor and privilege to know, love, and be around."

A fan said, "Dra.. u are who you are! Embrace this energy.. u have achieved so much and many people wished that they could put their feelings into words like u do!"

"You're loved just the way you are, D. You're the prettiest woman in the world," a second fan said, while another noted, "You are amazing, Draven. Your mom and dad are so proud of you, and even if you don't know me, I'm so proud of you, too. Always shine."

Back in 2017, Draven's Father was found dead at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, south of Los Angeles, at the age of 41.

At the time, his famous Linkin Park group was at the height of their fame after belting out hits like "Crawling," "One Step Closer," and "In the End," which peaked at No.2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

He battled a severe substance abuse disorder, and his death was ruled a suicide by hanging as his body was discovered by a housekeeper in his bedroom.

Although Draven was his only child with Samantha, he was the father to five other children from his previous relationships.

He shared 18-year-old son, Tyler, with his second wife, Talinda, as well as 13-year-old twin daughters Lily and Lila. He also had 28-year-old Jamie with ex Elka Brand and adopted her 27-year-old son, Isaiah.

According to the Daily Mail, he previously spoke about trans issues during a 2017 exchange on Twitter (now known as X).

The beloved singer said, "I think all bathrooms should be unisex. A family restroom is also an option for people with kids."