Robert De Niro recently shared his unwavering support for his daughter Airyn following her declaration of being transgender, emphasizing family love and advocacy for trans visibility.
Robert De Niro Expresses Support for Transgender Daughter Airyn

Robert De Niro Expresses Support for Transgender Daughter Airyn
Hollywood icon stands by his daughter after her transition announcement.
In a recent interview with the LGBTQ+ publication Them, Airyn De Niro detailed her journey of "stepping into this new identity" as she transitions. Her father, the celebrated actor Robert De Niro, conveyed his love and affirmations in a statement to Variety, saying, "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter." He continued, expressing bewilderment over the societal reactions to gender transitions, stating, "I don't know what the big deal is. I love all my children."
Airyn, aged 29 and the daughter of De Niro and Toukie Smith, began her transition last year. She articulately expressed the nuances of visibility and being truly seen in her journey. "I've been visible. I don't think I've been seen yet," she remarked, acknowledging her admiration for actress Laverne Cox as a source of inspiration. Airyn aspires to enhance trans visibility and honor her Black queer ancestors, citing the importance of honest representation of trans women in public spaces.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Airyn noted the challenges of growing up as one of De Niro's seven children. She shared her gratitude for her parents' efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy during her childhood, as they kept her out of the limelight as much as possible.
In the backdrop of her story lies a critical moment in the UK regarding transgender rights, where a Supreme Court ruling has sparked significant debate about the definition of womanhood under legal standards. The ruling, which affirmed the definition based on biological sex, has prompted the UK’s first openly transgender judge to challenge it at the European Court of Human Rights, asserting it violates her human rights.
Amid this ongoing discourse, Robert De Niro and Airyn's story serves as a reminder of the importance of familial support and the fight for transgender rights in society today.
Airyn, aged 29 and the daughter of De Niro and Toukie Smith, began her transition last year. She articulately expressed the nuances of visibility and being truly seen in her journey. "I've been visible. I don't think I've been seen yet," she remarked, acknowledging her admiration for actress Laverne Cox as a source of inspiration. Airyn aspires to enhance trans visibility and honor her Black queer ancestors, citing the importance of honest representation of trans women in public spaces.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Airyn noted the challenges of growing up as one of De Niro's seven children. She shared her gratitude for her parents' efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy during her childhood, as they kept her out of the limelight as much as possible.
In the backdrop of her story lies a critical moment in the UK regarding transgender rights, where a Supreme Court ruling has sparked significant debate about the definition of womanhood under legal standards. The ruling, which affirmed the definition based on biological sex, has prompted the UK’s first openly transgender judge to challenge it at the European Court of Human Rights, asserting it violates her human rights.
Amid this ongoing discourse, Robert De Niro and Airyn's story serves as a reminder of the importance of familial support and the fight for transgender rights in society today.