Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
The renowned actor, Robert De Niro, has publicly declared his endorsement of his transgender daughter, Airyn De Niro, following her revelation as a trans woman. The News of this support comes just a day after Airyn made her transition public.
A Message of Endorsement
The 81-year-old actor, celebrated globally for his role in “Goodfellas,” expressed his steadfast support and declared that he cherishes Airyn, one of his seven offspring.
“I cherished and backed Aaron as my son, and now I cherish and endorse Airyn as my daughter,” the acclaimed Oscar winner stated in a message. “I’m unclear why this is causing such a stir… I cherish all my children thoroughly.” De Niro highlighted that his daughter initiated hormone treatment the prior year.
De Niro’s twins, Airyn and Julian, 29, share a mother in actress Toukie Smith, 72. Their romantic involvement spanned from 1988 to 1996.
Airyn’s Coming Out & Role Model Aspirations
De Niro’s expression of solidarity comes in the wake of Airyn’s insightful interview regarding her coming-out journey, featured in a prominent publication focused on LGBTQ+ narratives. In the interview, Airyn shared her aspirations to inspire queer women of color seeking to craft their unique definitions of beauty.
During her conversation with Them contributor Ava Pauline Emilione at a Williamsburg, New York, café, Airyn broached an array of topics, including her favorite video game, her new pink hair, and her experiences growing up as the child of one of Hollywood’s most famous actors.
The Cyberbullying Incident
“Not only were there inaccuracies in what they posted about me; they fully caused me to reassess people’s general lack of insight into my actual life,” Airyn declared.
Smith and De Niro produced their twins via in vitro fertilization, with a surrogate carrying the pregnancy to term. Toward his romantic partnership with Smith, she is an actress widely recognized for her part as Eva Rawley on the NBC series “227,” and they dated from 1988 to 1996.
Perceptive advocates argue that media coverage focusing on transgender individuals should aim to promote understanding and respect. They have called for a shift away from sensationalizing transition journeys and toward empowering narratives that amplify the voices of transgender people themselves.
In her interview, she talked about her parents, stating: “Obviously, no parent is flawless, but I am grateful both my parents decided to shield me from the public spotlight. They firmly desired my upbringing to be as private as possible. They expressed their wish for me to have as normal a childhood as it was feasible in my situation.”
Aiming to be a viable role model, she hopes to spread awareness about the struggles of the queer community.
The Importance of Visibility
“There is space between just being visible and truly being seen,” Airyn stated. “I have certainly been visible; however, I do not believe I have yet been seen.”
Encountering Bias in the Queer Community
In her high school years, upon coming out, she experienced rejection and torment. “Individuals were unjustly rude and unjustly mean. I did not even align with their recognized standard of beauty, which was that an individual should be thin, white, muscular, or exceedingly fit and masculine.”
“Throughout my upbringing, I was recurrently informed that I was too much or not enough of particular attributes: Plus-sized, not slender enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough. Many did not share the sentiment that I was perfect the way I was.”
The start of her course of hormone treatment in November 2024 boosted her assurance as she channels the empowerment of Black women.
“Transitioning, notably via the impetus offered by Black women’s self-affirmation, has enabled me to embrace my Blackness more avidly. In a sense, it renders me feel more united with them.”
Learning to celebrate a joyful, defiant femininity from her mother: She is “trailing [her mom’s] lead in adapting that facet.”
“Considering [her mother’s] style of empathy and her engagement with others when I was younger, she possesses all the qualities I admire and wish to convey.”
“When it comes to femininity, I desire it to emanate warmth, charm, and an inviting character.”
Mental Health and Community Impact
She recognizes the necessity to advocate for mental health, especially within marginalized communities. “Colorful people and queer individuals are in need of significantly more support and advocacy surrounding their mental health. I aim to deliver that in some capacity,” she clarified.
De Niro’s twins, Airyn and Julian, 29, share a mother in actress Toukie Smith, 72. Their romantic involvement spanned from 1988 to 1996.
Not just a “Nepo Baby”
Firmly asserting, she does not appreciate being labelled as a “nepo baby.” “My father prioritized our individual journeys and independence, strongly encouraging us to find our own paths.”
The De Niro family has a rich and elaborate history, featuring seven children split among four mothers. The recent addition is the youngest, Gia, 2, who arrived in April 2023 with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen.
De Niro openly discussed school settings and the challenges his multiracial children confront; In 2020, he spoke candidly on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon about the struggles his children face regarding racial bias. “Sons of mine, all of whom are part black, I perpetually make a conscious effort of caution but frequently take many things for granted.” To De Niro it is a matter to constantly learning and growing.
Not limited to his role as a parent, the actor also boasts an extensive selection of hits in his career. He genuinely loves to converse, debate, and partake in the critical, deeper analysis of film. Recognizing the difficulty in sustaining a role and being aware of the personal sacrifices often demanded in artistry; he encourages a dedication to the craft, wholeheartedly promoting joy and the dedication needed to endure that sustaining and tough voyage resulting.
You can learn more about Robert De Niro and his daughter Airyn via the official IMDb listings and their public Instagram feeds.