Robert De Niro shares reaction after child comes out as transgender

After one of his children came out as transgender at the age of 29, Robert De Niro broke his silence to express his feelings.

De Niro, who is eighty-one, has seven children with four women. In April 2023, he welcomed his youngest child with Tiffany Chen.

In an interview with Them earlier this week, one of his children, Airyn, who was born in 1995 while De Niro was dating Toukie Smith, came out as transgender and said she had found it difficult to meet “beauty standards.”

Regarding her transition, the 29-year-old stated in an article titled “Airyn De Niro Is Ready to Be Seen on Her Own Terms”: “It just felt right.” I feel that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.

Airyn grew up mostly out of the spotlight, even though her father was one of the biggest Hollywood stars of the past 50 years.

I am thankful that both of my parents agreed to keep me out of the spotlight, even though it goes without saying that no parent is flawless. She informed Them that they desired it to be extremely private. “They have expressed their desire for me to have as typical a childhood as possible.”

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A post shared by Airyn De Niro (@voiceofairyn)

Airyn discovers her name in the media after coming out. She disclosed that after witnessing other trans women openly discussing their transitions, she started hormone therapy in November 2024.

“Seeing trans women succeed and being open and honest, particularly [in] public places like social media… “You know what?” I ask. Perhaps I still have time. I might be able to begin.

Concerning her family, the 29-year-old said they “may still think of [her] as the person [she] was before the transition.”

Following her announcement, it was inevitable that people would want to hear De Niro’s thoughts. The legendary actor seemed perplexed as to why his feelings for his daughter would alter in any way, in a charming manner.

He told People, “I love and support Airyn as my daughter.” “I’m not sure what the big deal is about. I cherish each and every one of my kids.

A recent executive order that forbids the expression of “gender ideology” and public criticism of trans rights across the United States coincide with Airyn’s coming out. She is eager to succeed “on [her] own merit” and is presently pursuing a degree in mental health counseling.

“I hope that I can serve as an inspiration to at least one other Black person who is queer and not a size too small,” she said to Them.

“I would like to see more transgender women and Black women who are not super thin or heroin chic, or who may have larger bodies.”