Airyn De Niro, daughter of actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, has publicly come out as a transgender woman in a candid interview.
Born in 1995 and initially shielded from public attention, Airyn opened up about the challenges she faced growing up, particularly the struggle to feel truly seen for who she is.
Navigating Identity and Representation as Airyn De Niro
Initially identifying as gay, Airyn ultimately found that the community didn’t reflect her identity, citing harsh beauty standards and exclusion. Embracing her identity as a Black trans woman, she emphasized the influence of Black women and trans women on social media in helping her embrace her authentic self.
Carving Her Own Path
Airyn is now focused on building a career in modeling and mental health counseling and aspires to empower queer people of color. She also addressed the label of being a “nepo baby,” clarifying that she has always aimed to carve her own path without leveraging her celebrity family’s influence. Expressing a desire to appear on a Vogue cover with her mother eventually, she hopes to serve as a visible role model for underrepresented communities.
A Father’s Unwavering Support
Robert De Niro has publicly expressed his unwavering support for his daughter, Airyn, who recently came out as transgender. In an interview with People magazine, the acclaimed actor affirmed his love for his daughter, stating, “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter.”
Airyn’s decision to share her story publicly marks a significant step in her journey toward authenticity and visibility. By speaking out, she aims to inspire and empower others facing similar challenges, particularly within the queer and trans communities of color.
