Celebrity dad Robert De Niro has been out and loud in his support for his daughter Airyn. She spoke about her experience as a trans woman in an interview, published last month, with the online LGBTQ+ magazine Them. This new discovery marks the most hopeful turning point in Airyn’s story yet. This acclaimed actor has deeply established himself as a father whose love for his child is unshakeable.
In a recent interview with Them, Airyn spoke candidly about her transition journey. She talked about the difficulties she has to go through just to be seen in an image. She advocated for the distinction between being visible versus actually visible, as a call to action for equity. I’ve been out front, she continued, but I don’t think I’ve been seen so far. This powerful testimony illustrates the difficult realities so many trans people experience in their search for visibility and affirmation.
In the wake of Airyn’s interview, Robert De Niro released a public statement reiterating his love for her without reservations. He stated, “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is … I love all my children.” His comments reveal a deeper family dynamic, one that’s based in love, acceptance, and understanding.
Airyn turned to social media with her sincere appreciation. She expressed gratitude to all who have helped her during this formative period. She took to social media to share her excitement, thanking everyone who has supported her. She confided, “I’m not getting all of these eyes on me.” In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to her family, specifically thanking her parents, actor Robert De Niro and model Toukie Smith. She was glad that their decision had protected her from the media spotlight during her formative years.
So I’m really lucky that both my parents were on the same page about keeping me out of the limelight. They want me to have as much of a normal childhood as I can,” Airyn added. Yet she understood their protective instinct that compelled them to try to protect her.
Both De Niro and Smith make for excellent, determined parents. This indicates a more active involvement by parents to support their children through consequential transitions of life. As Airyn embraces her identity, the family’s solidarity serves as a powerful example of acceptance in a society that is still grappling with issues related to gender identity.