Robert De Niro’s daughter has come out as transgender in her first public interview.
Airyn De Niro, 29, told Them magazine that she begun taking hormone replacement therapy in November last year.
Commenting on her transition, she said: “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… Maybe I can start.”
Newsweek has contacted Airyn for comment on social media outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump has taken multiple steps to unravel protections for transgender people since returning to the White House.
Following his inauguration on January 20, Trump issued an executive order stating that it is “the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.” He has targeted gender-affirming care for transgender youths, banned trans people from serving in the military, and excluded trans women from competing in female sports.
What To Know
Speaking about her transition, Airyn told Them magazine: “I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something growing up: too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough. It was never just, ‘you’re just right, just the way you are.’”
She added: “I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me… I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.”
Born to Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, Airyn grew up largely out of the spotlight. She said that she hopes to pursue a career in modelling and acting, and has also trained as a mental health counsellor.
“People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support. So I’m hoping I’m able to do that,” she said.
Mental health is a critical issue for Black transgender and nonbinary young people. According to the Trevor Project, as of 2023, one in four Black transgender and nonbinary people had reported a suicide attempt in the previous 12 months.
What People Are Saying
Lexxe, a musician, responded to Airyn’s Instagram post, writing: “You are such a vision I loved reading your words!”
Hannah Joelle Kamphof, a blogger, wrote on Instagram: “Amazing, thank you for showing the world you are with your own voice! Our world needs so much more of this from our diverse community.”
Tomi Lahren, Fox News commentator, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Isn’t it amazing that all these deranged celebrities end up having kids who don’t know what gender they are… Feels like child abuse.”
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