Robert De Niro Expresses Love and Support for Transgender Daughter: ‘What’s the Big Deal?’

Robert De Niro is proudly supporting his daughter, Airyn, after she came out as transgender. The acclaimed actor, now 81, spoke about Airyn’s journey during her first interview, where she revealed she started hormone therapy last year and is living as her true self at 29.

“I loved Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t see what the big deal is,” De Niro shared. His open-mindedness is not surprising; he has always embraced his family’s individuality.

Airyn, who was born Aaron, is one of De Niro’s children with model Toukie Smith, alongside her twin brother, Julian. She expressed gratitude for her parents’ efforts to shield her from the public eye during her upbringing, aiming for a normal childhood.

De Niro’s background adds depth to this story. His late father, Robert De Niro Sr., was an openly gay artist. This experience likely shaped De Niro’s views. Although their relationship had challenges, it shows a legacy of acceptance in the family. In memory of his father, De Niro participated in the HBO documentary “Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr.,” where he read passages from his father’s diaries.

In recent years, public support for the LGBTQ+ community has grown significantly. According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, 71% of Americans support same-sex marriage. This cultural shift reflects a broader acceptance that includes transgender rights, something Airyn highlighted in her interview. She noted that she feels empowered by the visibility of trans women, particularly Black women, motivating her to embrace her identity.

Airyn emphasized that being a trans woman is about honesty and openness, especially in spaces like social media. She hopes her experience can inspire others who may be struggling with their identities. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she pointed out. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”

As she embarks on a path in acting and modeling, Airyn is determined to succeed on her own merits, distancing herself from the “nepo baby” label. “My dad wanted us to find our own way,” she shared.

Robert De Niro is a father to seven children from various relationships. His commitment to family and acceptance continues to resonate, showing that love and support foster courage in facing one’s true self.

For more on LGBTQ+ representation, you can read the Human Rights Campaign reports, which delve into ongoing challenges and advancements in equality.

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