Robert De Niro Speaks Out After Daughter Comes Out as Transgender

In a rare moment of personal candor, legendary actor Robert De Niro has broken his silence to publicly support his daughter, Airyn De Niro, after she came out as transgender — and his message is crystal clear: love is unconditional.

“She’s my daughter. I love her,” the 81-year-old icon told People magazine this week. “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.”

Airyn, 29, made her public debut as a transgender woman in an emotional interview with Them magazine, describing her journey not just as a gender transition, but as a reclamation of self. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she said. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”

Airyn’s words struck a chord across social media, especially among young LGBTQ+ Americans and Black trans women, who praised her honesty and courage in an era where transgender visibility is often politicized.

“I started hormone therapy last November,” she revealed. “And seeing other Black trans women thriving on social media — that saved me. It made me believe it wasn’t too late to live authentically.”

Airyn, who is pursuing a career in mental health counseling, also reflected on how embracing both her Blackness and her womanhood deepened her sense of identity. “Stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to other Black women. It’s powerful.”

Robert De Niro, long known for his fierce privacy and no-nonsense public persona, didn’t hesitate to affirm his daughter’s journey. The Raging Bull actor has seven children from various relationships and welcomed Airyn and her twin brother, Julian, with actress Toukie Smith in 1995. The couple split a year later, but De Niro has remained closely involved in his children’s lives.

Friends of the actor say De Niro has been unwavering in his support behind the scenes. “He’s not a man of many words when it comes to personal stuff,” a source close to the family told The Advocate. “But his actions speak volumes. He’s there for Airyn every step of the way.”

De Niro’s support stands in stark contrast to the political rhetoric sweeping parts of the country, where trans rights remain under attack. Over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the U.S. since 2023, according to the Human Rights Campaign — a trend that makes De Niro’s quiet defiance all the more powerful.

Airyn’s decision to come out publicly at a time of intense national debate was no accident. “There’s risk in being visible,” she admitted. “But I want to be part of changing the narrative. If even one trans person sees my story and feels less alone, then it’s worth it.”

De Niro agrees. “She’s brave,” he said. “She knows who she is. That’s all that matters to me.”