Hollywood legend Robert De Niro has publicly expressed his unwavering love and support for his daughter, Airyn De Niro, who recently came out as a transgender woman.
In a heartfelt statement to Variety, the actor shared his thoughts on his daughter’s journey and his acceptance of her transition. “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” De Niro said.
Dismissing any controversy surrounding the news, he added, “I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children.”
De Niro’s statement has been praised for its simplicity and sincerity, reflecting a growing wave of support for transgender individuals within families of influence.
In an emotional interview with LGBTQ+ publication Them, Airyn opened up about what her transition means to her and the reasons behind her decision to live authentically.
She described her coming out as “stepping into this new identity,” emphasizing that there’s a clear distinction between visibility and truly being seen. “I’ve been visible,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Her words speak to the internal and societal struggles faced by many transgender individuals, especially those navigating public attention due to family notoriety.
Airyn, who is the daughter of De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, credited trans icon Laverne Cox as a source of inspiration. She expressed a newfound sense of possibility through witnessing the public success of other transgender women.
“Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success… I’m like, you know what? Maybe it’s not too late for me,” she shared.
Airyn’s comments highlight the importance of representation and how visible role models can inspire courage in others walking a similar path.
Despite being born into a famous family, Airyn revealed that her parents made a conscious effort to protect her from the pressures of the limelight during her upbringing. “No parent is perfect,” she admitted, “but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.”
Her gratitude shows how private support can have a lasting impact, especially when navigating personal milestones in a public world.
Airyn’s story comes at a pivotal moment in the broader conversation around transgender rights and recognition.
In the UK, transgender women have recently faced heightened scrutiny following a Supreme Court ruling that legally defines a woman based on biological sex.
The ruling has prompted a backlash from trans advocates and legal experts, including the UK’s only publicly known transgender judge, who now plans to take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that the decision infringes upon fundamental rights.
Judge Lord Hodge, speaking on behalf of the court, clarified that while the ruling upholds the current legal framework, it should not be interpreted as a victory over transgender individuals.
“The law still gives protection against discrimination to transgender people,” he emphasized.
In light of such legal challenges, Airyn De Niro’s public journey and the support from her father serve as a reminder of the profound personal significance of acceptance and the continuing fight for broader societal understanding and equality.
