New York, N.Y. — Robert De Niro is publicly expressing his support for his daughter, Airyn De Niro, after she came out as transgender. The acclaimed actor, 81, spoke about Airyn’s transition in an interview with Them, marking a significant moment in their relationship.
In his statement, De Niro emphasized his unconditional love for his child: “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t see what the big deal is,” he said. His remarks came shortly after Airyn shared that she is undergoing hormone therapy and living openly as a trans woman at the age of 29.
Airyn, previously known as Aaron, is one of two children De Niro shares with his former partner, model Toukie Smith. The couple also has a twin son, Julian. De Niro’s support for Airyn highlights a family dynamic rooted in acceptance, reflecting his own upbringing.
Robert De Niro’s father, an openly gay artist, faced struggles with his identity, which ultimately impacted his marriage. De Niro often pays tribute to his father’s legacy, including his role in the documentary “Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr.”, where he read from his father’s diaries. The actor has also been acknowledged for his advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community, receiving GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award in 2016.
Airyn recounted her upbringing in her coming-out article, expressing gratitude for her parents’ decision to shield her from the spotlight during her formative years. “Obviously, no parent is perfect, but I appreciate that they wanted me to have a normal childhood,” she explained. She expressed her intention to pursue acting and modeling but clarified that she does not want to be labeled a “nepo baby” based on her father’s fame.
Describing her transition, Airyn highlighted the importance of representation and visibility. “I think a big part of my transition has been influenced by the strength of Black women,” she said. This newfound identity allows her to connect more deeply with her heritage and inspires her journey.
Airyn also opened up about her motivation to embrace her truth. The support from other trans women gave her hope: “Seeing so many trans women come out and thrive made me realize that it’s not too late for me to start my own journey,” she noted.
She expressed the desire to inspire others through her story, emphasizing that true visibility goes beyond being seen; it’s about being acknowledged and understood. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet,” Airyn stated, highlighting her journey to find her authentic self in a world that often misrepresents people’s identities.
As the father of seven children from various relationships, De Niro maintains a complex family dynamic, with ages ranging from 2 to 57. His steadfast support for Airyn serves as a powerful statement on love and acceptance within the family, as they navigate this important chapter together.