Robert De Niro has opened up about his feelings after his daughter, Airyn, publicly came out as transgender at age 29.
The Oscar-winning actor, now 81, is a father to seven children with four different partners. In April 2023, he welcomed his youngest child with partner Tiffany Chen. One of his older children, Airyn—born in 1995 during De Niro’s relationship with actress Toukie Smith—stepped into the public eye this week after sharing her story in an interview with Them.
In the feature, titled “Airyn De Niro Is Ready to Be Seen on Her Own Terms,” Airyn discussed her transition and the emotional clarity it brought her. “It just felt right,” she said. “I genuinely feel like this is what I was meant to do.”
Though she grew up largely shielded from the limelight—thanks to her parents’ deliberate choice to protect her privacy—Airyn is now stepping forward with purpose and pride. “I appreciate that my parents kept me away from the spotlight,” she told Them. “They wanted me to have as normal a childhood as possible.”
Airyn began hormone therapy in late 2024, inspired by seeing other trans women openly share their journeys online. “Watching trans women thrive, being open and honest—especially in public spaces like social media—made me think, ‘Maybe it’s not too late for me. Maybe I can start now.’”
Speaking about her family’s response, Airyn acknowledged that some relatives may still be adjusting. “They may still see me as who I was before,” she admitted. But she’s focused on living as her authentic self.
When asked for his thoughts, De Niro responded with characteristic warmth and clarity. “I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” he told People. “I don’t see what the big fuss is. I love all my children.”
Airyn’s coming out coincides with a broader national debate over trans rights, as certain U.S. states push legislation limiting the visibility and expression of transgender identities. Despite this, she remains focused on her goals. Currently pursuing a degree in mental health counseling, Airyn hopes to empower others—especially those who, like her, haven’t often seen themselves represented.
“My hope is that I can inspire at least one other Black queer person who doesn’t fit society’s narrow mold,” she said. “I want to see more trans women and Black women who aren’t super thin, who don’t look like the typical standard—and who are still seen, heard, and valued.”
