Airyn De Niro Opens Up About Her Transition—Her Father, Robert De Niro, Offers Nothing But Plain And Simple Support
Parents: take notes!
In an interview with Them, Airyn De Niro speaks out about her transition journey amidst a frenzy of media outlets publishing stories about her. “Not only did they get information wrong about me… They just sort of reminded me that people really don’t know anything about me,” she said. On her own terms, she discussed her transition, queerness, and her desire to be an inspiration for “trans women, and Black women, who are maybe bigger-bodied or don’t fit the model of super thin or heroin chic.”
Airyn, 29, told Them that she has been femme-presenting since middle school, and her desire to maintain femininity grew as she got older. “Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success… I’m like, you know what? Maybe it’s not too late for me… maybe I can start,” she said.
Speaking to her femininity and womanhood, Airyn mentioned embracing Black femininity as a crucial part of her journey. “I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me,” she told Them. “I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.”
Airyn referred to her mom as one of her inspirations, saying, “The way [my mom] would conduct or hold herself, the way that I saw her interact with others in public when I was younger, I see myself emulating that in some way… whether it’s just turning on the charm or not putting on a mask, but wanting to be feminine in a way that’s inviting and warm and welcoming.” She later expressed her desire to be a model and follow her mom’s footsteps, even dreaming of recreating one of Vogue’s covers.
Apart from being an aspiring model, Airyn is currently studying to be a mental health counselor. “People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support. So I’m hoping I’m able to do that … it’s really beneficial to work with a counselor or mental health professional who can relate to you or intersects with some part of you,” she said.
Following Airyn’s interview, her father, Robert De Niro, openly declared his support. “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,” he told the Hollywood Reporter Wednesday. This isn’t the first time he’s spoken about his kids’ queerness publicly. In 2019, during Donald Trump’s first presidential term, he opened up about his fear of his child being gay under an oppressive administration. Let’s hope people take some notes from his support!
