Robert de Niro's daughter Airyn de Niro comes out as trans, reveals details about her transition journey

Hollywood legend Robert de Niro's 29-year-old daughter, Airyn de Niro has come out as transgender. She proclaimed her gender identity in an interview to an online LGBTQ magazine. Airyn, who was born as Aaron, is one of the seven children of Robert. Her biological mother is Toukie Smith, the Oscar-winning legend's ex.

Robert de Niro's daughter transition journey

In her interview with Them, Airyn shared insights about what motivated her to go through with her gender reassignment surgery. As part of the procedure, she started receiving hormone therapy in November 2024. She revealed that The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey influenced her transition journey in a decisive manner. Airyn said watching the actress' character in the musical fantasy movie inspired her to book her first-ever appointment at a black salon.

Also Read : Papal conclave 2025: One of these cardinals could succeed Pope Francis as May 7 ceremony draws closer

Airyn de Niro credits Black roots for transition

She believes that a major part of her transition journey is the influence that Black women had on her. Airyn, who is an aspiring model-actor, explained that her pride tied to her "Blackness", coupled with her journey to embrace her new identity makes, her feel connected more closely with Black women in "some" sense.

She also expressed gratitude towards her parents for keeping her out of the limelight. Airyn said her parents told her they wanted as normal a childhood as possible for her. The interview also touched upon how she was 'femme-presenting' in her teenage years and how she wanted to maintain her femininity further. She also highlighted the difference between "being visible" and "being seen".

Airyn de Niro says she is yet to be 'seen'

Referring to her transition, Airyn said she believed she was yet to be "seen". She also revealed how inspiring it was for her to see other people being “honest and open” on social media and other public spaces. Airyn said the viewpoint was key in her realisation that it was probably "not too late" for her. She also aspires to be an inspiration for even one person who is 'Black' and queer like her. Airyn also expressed her desire to achieve success on her own, rather than relying on her father's credentials.

Also Read : Pittsburgh power outage in USA: Schools announce closure after severe storm. Full list of academic institutions

FAQs

1 . What was Airyn De Niro's birth name?
Airyn was born as Aaron De Niro. Her biological mother is Toukie Smith.

2 . When did Airyn start her hormone therapy?
She started undergoing hormone therapy last year.