- Thursday, May 01, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Robert De Niro has shared a heartfelt message of love and acceptance for his daughter, Airyn De Niro, who recently spoke publicly about embracing her identity as a Black trans woman. In a statement to Deadline, the legendary actor said, “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 De Niro, the 29-year-old daughter of De Niro and former model Toukie Smith, opened up about her journey in a candid interview with Them. Speaking about the powerful influence of Black women on her self-discovery, Airyn reflected, “A big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me. Stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.”
I am not surprised🔴: Robert De Niro’s daughter Airyn comes out as transgender pic.twitter.com/UU8VLTj9LB
— Bella (@stockbella) April 29, 2025
Her story comes amid growing public interest following media speculation earlier this year. Paparazzi captured images of Airyn visiting her father at the Greenwich Hotel, with tabloids misgendering her and publishing headlines such as “Robert De Niro’s nepo baby son,” criticizing her pink locs and feminine fashion choices. “Not only did they get information wrong about me,” Airyn said, “they reminded me that people really don’t know anything about me.” She revealed that no outlets reached out for comment before running the stories, one of the reasons she decided to take control of her own narrative.
Now embracing her true self, Airyn wants to be a voice and symbol for those who don’t often see themselves represented. “I’d want to hopefully be an inspiration for at least one other person like me who is Black, who is queer, who’s not a size extra small,” she said. “I’d want to see more trans women, more Black women who are maybe bigger-bodied or don’t fit the mold of super thin or heroin chic.”
Airyn’s aspirations extend beyond advocacy. Inspired by her mother Toukie Smith’s modeling career, she dreams of stepping into the fashion world herself. “A part of me has always wanted to model and follow in my mom’s footsteps,” she shared. “Honestly, if I could be on the cover of Vogue with her or recreate one of her pictures, that would be a dream come true.”
With her father’s unwavering support and her own fierce sense of identity, Airyn De Niro stands as a beacon for Black trans women and queer people of color. Her story is not only one of personal courage but also a call for broader inclusivity and representation in media and fashion.
