Robert De Niro’s son, Airyn, has come out as a transgender woman in a recent interview with Them, a publication focused on LGBTQ+ issues. The 29-year-old, who was previously known as Aaron, is one of De Niro’s seven children with four different women. Airyn has a twin brother named Julian, and their mother is actress Toukie Smith.
In the interview, Airyn shared her feelings about visibility and acceptance. She expressed that while she has been visible, she doesn’t feel truly seen. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she said. Airyn also addressed how the media has portrayed her, particularly taking issue with being labeled a “nepo baby.” She emphasized that her upbringing was not centered around her father’s fame. Instead, she felt encouraged to carve out her own path, stating, “I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.”
Airyn reflected on her childhood, mentioning that she often felt like she didn’t fit in. She described being told she was either too much or not enough of something, whether it was about her size or her racial identity. “It was never just, ‘You’re just right, just the way you are,’” she noted.
In November, Airyn began hormone therapy, inspired by the influence of Black women in her life. A significant moment in her journey was sparked by watching Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” which motivated her to embrace her identity more fully, including getting braids.
Airyn hopes to inspire others who share similar experiences, particularly those who are Black, queer, and don’t fit conventional beauty standards. “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,” she said.
Social media reactions to her coming out have been mixed. Some commenters noted a trend of celebrity children identifying as transgender, with some expressing concern about the influences of celebrity culture on their children. Comments ranged from supportive to critical, with some suggesting that these dynamics might stem from a lack of parental attention.
Airyn’s journey is a personal one, and her story adds to the ongoing conversation about identity and acceptance in today’s society.