Hollywood star Robert De Niro is openly supporting his daughter, Airyn, following her decision to come out as transgender. In an interview with the LGBTQ+ magazine Them, Airyn shared her feelings about embracing her new identity.
De Niro expressed his love and support for Airyn in a statement to Variety, saying, "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children." His stance reflects a growing acceptance of transgender individuals in society.
Airyn, 29, began her transition last year. She emphasized the difference between being visible and being truly seen. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet,” she noted. Her journey has been influenced by prominent figures like actress Laverne Cox, who inspires her to help amplify trans visibility and honor her black queer ancestors.
She expressed hope that by sharing her story, she can encourage others. “Trans women being honest and open, especially in public spaces like social media, shows that there’s success out there. Maybe it’s not too late for me,” Airyn shared.
Growing up, Airyn appreciated that her parents worked to keep her out of the spotlight. “No parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents wanted me to have as normal a childhood as possible,” she said.
Recent studies indicate that visibility is crucial for the transgender community, as it fosters understanding and acceptance. According to a 2021 report by the Human Rights Campaign, 45% of transgender individuals faced discrimination in various forms, highlighting the importance of supportive figures like De Niro in challenging societal norms.
Airyn’s journey not only represents her personal growth but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for transgender rights. As more public figures step up in support of their loved ones, it creates a ripple effect, encouraging broader acceptance and understanding across various communities.
For more about the challenges faced by transgender individuals, you can visit the Human Rights Campaign.