Robert De Niro, the legendary actor known for his decades-long career in Hollywood, has recently opened up about a deeply personal matter—his reaction to his child, Airyn, coming out as transgender. At 81 years old, De Niro has seven children with four different women. His youngest child was born in April 2023 with his current partner, Tiffany Chen. But it’s his daughter Airyn, born in 1995 during his relationship with actress and model Toukie Smith, who has recently taken a brave step by publicly sharing her gender identity.
Airyn, now 29, came out as transgender in a candid interview with Them, an online publication dedicated to LGBTQ+ issues and voices. In the article titled “Airyn De Niro Is Ready to Be Seen on Her Own Terms”, she expressed her journey toward self-acceptance and her decision to live authentically as a transgender woman. “It just felt right. I feel like I’m meant to be doing this,” she explained, discussing how affirming her identity brought a sense of purpose and alignment that she hadn’t previously experienced.
Though her father is one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry, Airyn managed to grow up away from the media frenzy that often surrounds celebrity children. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, “Obviously no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They wanted it very private. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.” It’s clear that, despite De Niro’s public life, he and Smith were committed to providing Airyn with a sense of normalcy and privacy as she navigated her youth.
Airyn revealed that she began hormone therapy in November 2024. The turning point came after seeing other transgender women share their stories openly on social media platforms. Their vulnerability and success gave her the courage to believe in her own path. “Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success… I’m like, you know what? Maybe it’s not too late for me. Maybe I can start.” That moment of realization marked a new beginning for Airyn, who now embraces her identity with clarity and conviction.
While taking this significant step has brought her a sense of empowerment, it hasn’t come without concerns. She admitted to feeling uncertain about how her family might perceive her now. “My family maybe still think of me as the person I was before the transition,” she noted. This is a common experience for many transgender individuals—the fear that loved ones may struggle to accept or adjust to a new understanding of who they are. Still, Airyn remains hopeful, focusing on her journey and the life she is building for herself.
When asked about his thoughts on Airyn’s announcement, Robert De Niro responded with simplicity, grace, and unwavering support. “I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” he told People. “I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children.” His response not only reflects acceptance but also a deeper truth—parental love, when genuine, remains constant through all of life’s transitions. In a world where many LGBTQ+ youth face rejection from their families, De Niro’s words offer a powerful example of unconditional love.
Airyn’s coming out occurs during a challenging time for transgender people in the United States. With a wave of anti-trans legislation and executive orders attempting to restrict gender expression and healthcare, the community is facing unprecedented public scrutiny and political pushback. One recent executive order even aims to limit the public discussion and visibility of what it terms “gender ideology.” In this tense climate, Airyn’s openness is not only personal—it’s also political.
Despite these challenges, Airyn is focused on her goals. She is currently studying to become a mental health counselor, a path that aligns with her desire to support others who are navigating life’s difficulties. Her commitment to her education and career reflects a broader mission: to succeed on her own merit. “I’d want to hopefully be an inspiration for at least one other person like me who is Black, who is queer, who’s not a size extra small,” she said. Her words are a powerful reminder that representation matters—not just in gender identity, but also in body type, race, and lived experience.
Airyn also emphasized the importance of seeing more trans women who look like her. “I’d want to see more trans women, more Black women who are maybe bigger-bodied or don’t fit the mold of super thin or heroin chic.” In a world that still imposes narrow and unrealistic beauty standards, her call for broader visibility is timely and necessary. She hopes her story will resonate with others who feel overlooked or excluded by mainstream representations of beauty and identity.
By choosing to share her truth, Airyn is not only stepping into her own power—she’s also opening the door for others to do the same. Her story is one of courage, self-awareness, and resilience. In a time when many are afraid to be seen, she is choosing visibility, and that choice carries immense value for people who may be waiting for permission to be themselves.
As for Robert De Niro, his message is simple but profound: love your children for who they are. His reaction may seem understated, but in its quiet sincerity lies a lesson for all parents—acceptance is not about understanding every detail; it’s about embracing the person your child is becoming, without conditions. And in doing so, you give them the freedom to flourish.
In the end, this is a story about identity, family, and the journey to live truthfully. Airyn De Niro’s voice adds to the growing chorus of trans individuals sharing their lives openly, despite the risks. And her father’s love—steadfast and unquestioning—serves as a reminder that support from those closest to us can make all the difference.
