New York, NY — Actor Robert De Niro is publicly voicing his support for his daughter, Airyn De Niro, following her recent announcement of her transgender identity. In a statement, he expressed unconditional love for her journey, emphasizing that his familial affection remains unchanged.
“I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t see what the fuss is about. I love all my children,” De Niro stated, reflecting a sentiment of acceptance and understanding.
Airyn, who is one of the renowned actor’s seven children, shared her story in an interview with Them magazine. Daughter of actress Toukie Smith and twin sister to Julian, she opened up about her experiences growing up under the public eye. In her interview, she articulated the distinction between being visible and truly being seen, suggesting that while she has been in the spotlight, she has not always felt understood or acknowledged.
Acknowledging the complexities of parenting, Airyn expressed gratitude for her parents’ efforts to shield her from excessive public scrutiny. “No parent is perfect, but I appreciate that both my parents prioritized giving me as normal a childhood as possible,” she remarked.
Following the interview’s release, Airyn has garnered significant support across social media platforms. She took to Instagram to express her appreciation, stating, “Thank you to everyone who’s been so sweet and supportive! I’m not used to all this attention.” In candid moments, she also mentioned the challenges of managing her newfound visibility, humorously noting, “I am literally just a girl with a phone,” apologizing for any missed messages.
Airyn further revealed the influence of notable transgender activist Laverne Cox. “Seeing trans women being authentic and successful in public spaces, especially on social media, has inspired me,” she shared, indicating that Cox’s visibility played a role in her decision to embrace her authentic self.
In a generous gesture, Cox responded to Airyn’s interview with a heartfelt video on social media, highlighting the importance of representation and support within the LGBTQ+ community. Airyn’s courage in sharing her journey resonates not only with her own family but also with countless individuals navigating similar paths, fostering a broader dialogue on acceptance and identity.