'I'll Always Love & Support:' Robert De Niro After Daughter Comes Out As Trans

Veteran actor Robert De Niro showcased "love and support" for his daughter Airyn De Niro, after she recently came out as transgender, reported Variety. In a statement to Variety, De Niro said, "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter." Robert, who shares Airyn and her twin brother Julian De Niro with ex-Toukie Smith, continued, “I don’t know what the big deal is… I love all my children.”

Airyn, one of De Niro’s seven children, has spent much of her life away from the public eye. While she may technically be what the internet likes to call a 'nepo baby', her story goes against all the assumptions that come with that label. In a recent interview with Them, Airyn, daughter of Hollywood legend Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, opened up about her transgender identity and the challenging experience of growing up in the shadow of her parents' fame.

Finding Herself Away From The Spotlight

“Obviously, no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight,” she told Them. “They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.”

Still, being the daughter of one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood hasn’t always protected her from the public eye. After recent misreporting about her, Airyn reflected on the various assumptions that people make, "They just sort of reminded me that people really don’t know anything about me.”

She also opened up about the pressure of growing up with constant judgment. “I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something growing up: Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough. It was never just, ‘You’re just right, just the way you are,’” she said.

Creating Her Own Path

To the outside world, Airyn might look like someone who was born into access and opportunities. However, she’s quick to clarify that her upbringing wasn’t all about red carpets or designer perks.

“I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path... I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.”

Becoming A Voice For Others

She began hormone therapy last November. Airyn also said, “I’d want to see more trans women, more Black women who are maybe bigger-bodied or don’t fit the mould of super thin or heroin chic.”

In addition to her advocacy through storytelling, Airyn is also studying to become a mental health counselor, with a focus on helping the marginalized communities.

“People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support,” she said. “So I’m hoping I’m able to do that.”