Robert De Niro's daughter, Airyn, has bravely embraced her identity as a transgender individual. In an insightful interview with Them, published on April 29th, she spoke about "stepping into this new identity," sharing intimate details about her life as one of the Oscar winner's seven children. Airyn, who aspires to be an actress and model, was born to actress Toukie Smith and the 81-year-old Hollywood legend, along with her twin brother Julian.
"There's a profound distinction between being visible and being truly seen," Airyn, now 29, confided to Them contributor Ava Pauline Emilione. "I've been visible all along, but I don't believe I've been seen for who I truly am." Recent media coverage, including a report by The Daily Mail and others that got "information wrong," served as a stark reminder that people knew very little about her authentic self. "They simply underscored the fact that people are largely unfamiliar with my real story," she elaborated.
Addressing the label of "nepo baby" because of her famous father, Airyn stated, "I didn't grow up with the privilege of acting in dad's movies, attending business meetings, or premieres. My dad was adamant that we forge our own paths... I yearn for success that is earned on my own merits." Reflecting on her upbringing, she expressed gratitude to both her parents, Robert and Smith, for shielding her from the spotlight. "They made it clear that they wanted me to enjoy as normal a childhood as possible," she said.
Airyn opened up about her struggles as a "late bloomer," grappling with body dysmorphia and societal beauty standards. "Throughout my childhood, I was constantly told I was either too much or not enough of something: too big, not skinny enough; not Black enough, not white enough; too feminine, not masculine enough," she shared. "I was seldom, if ever, told, 'You're perfect just the way you are.'" Drawing strength from her mother and the profound influence of Black women in her life, Airyn embarked on hormone therapy last November.
"I aspire to inspire at least one other person like me—someone who is Black, queer, and not a size extra small," Airyn revealed. "I long to see more trans women, more Black women who embrace their curves or don't conform to the super-thin or heroin chic ideals." Her journey also includes studying to become a mental health counselor, aligning with her mission to advocate for and support the mental health of people of color and queer communities. "These communities desperately need more advocacy and support, and I hope to contribute to that effort," she concluded.
Among Robert's seven children is his youngest, Gia, born to his girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023.
