New York, N.Y. — Robert De Niro has publicly affirmed his support for his daughter, Airyn De Niro, following her recent announcement of her transgender identity. In a statement to Variety, the acclaimed actor expressed his unwavering love for her, stating, “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. I love all my children.”
Airyn De Niro, in an interview with Them, opened up about her journey of self-discovery and the significance of embracing her new identity. Growing up in a household with six siblings, she reflected on the challenges of being “visible” without truly feeling seen. “I’ve been visible,” she explained, “but I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Despite the complexities that can arise in family dynamics, Airyn expressed gratitude for her parents’ decision to shield her from the public eye during her formative years. “No parent is perfect, but I appreciate that they wanted me to have as normal a childhood as possible,” she noted.
In the same interview, Airyn cited actress Laverne Cox as one of her inspirations for coming forward with her transition. She highlighted the importance of visibility for transgender individuals in media, particularly on social platforms. “Seeing trans women being open and honest gives me hope,” Airyn remarked, adding that it motivated her to embrace her truth. “I thought, ‘Maybe it’s not too late for me.’”
Following the interview, Airyn took to Instagram to thank her supporters. She acknowledged the overwhelming attention she has received and expressed her appreciation for the kindness shown by fans. “Thank you to everyone who’s been so sweet and supportive! I’m not used to all these eyes on me,” she posted, humorously noting her current status as “just a girl with a phone.”
The journey for Airyn and her family comes amid broader societal conversations about gender identity and acceptance. The visibility of figures like Laverne Cox has become a beacon for many in the transgender community, shining a light on the importance of representation and genuine support.
As Airyn navigates this new chapter in her life, she embodies a message of authenticity and resilience, encouraging others to embrace their true selves. With her father’s backing, she steps forward not just as a member of the De Niro family but as a voice for those seeking to be seen and accepted.