Airyn De Niro, the 29-year-old daughter of legendary actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, has decided to share a glimpse at her journey after coming out as trans. During an interview with Them magazine, Airyn detailed the struggles and challenges she faced and the importance of sharing her story.
“I wish people saw someone who is trying their hardest to heal from growing up not feeling good about themselves. (And) in the process of that, trying to make other people feel good about themselves," Airyn said about the reason she decided to speak about her journey.
The two actors welcomed twins Julian and Airyn in 1995, and while co-parenting, they did their best to shield their children from the media. However, Airyn's identity was exposed to the public eye when a paparazzi photo surfaced. And while she had kept her story private, she decided to share her journey on her own terms.
Airyn began hormone therapy in November 2024, and she has credited Black women such as her mom, Laverne Cox, Raven-Symoné, and Halle Bailey to follow her journey. “I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way,” she said to the publication.
“I think part of me is concerned that (my family) will maybe still think of me as the person I was before the transition," she confessed during the interview. She also touched the "nepo baby" subject and said she does not identify with that label.
“I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of Dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path," she explained. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” Airyn added. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Moving forward, Airyn said she wants to continue her studies while pursuing an acting and modeling career. She also hopes to be an inspiration for many, who are going through similar journeys of self-acceptance.
“I’d want to hopefully be an inspiration for at least one other person like me who is Black, who is queer, who’s not a size extra small,” she declared.