In a heartfelt interview with Them, Airyn De Niro, the 29-year-old daughter of legendary actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, has publicly come out as a trans woman, sharing her journey of self-discovery and the influences that have shaped her identity.
Airyn, who began hormone therapy last November, revealed that the inspiration for her transition was sparked by seeing Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney's live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. "I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me," she explained. "I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way." This pivotal moment led her to make her first appointment at a Black hair salon, marking a significant turning point in her journey.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Airyn expressed gratitude for her parents' efforts to keep her out of the public eye. "Obviously, no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They wanted it very private; they have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible," she shared. Born Aaron De Niro in 1995, she is one of Robert De Niro's seven children and has often been dubbed a "nepo baby." However, she is keen to distance herself from that label, emphasizing, "I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of Dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit."
Airyn's journey has not been without challenges. Growing up in a high-profile family, she faced scrutiny and pressure regarding her body image. "I always grew up a bigger-bodied person. Everybody else in the family [was] relatively thin or fit; I was not, so I sort of stood out like a sore thumb," she recalled. This experience was compounded by societal beauty standards that often excluded individuals who did not fit the mold. "I didn’t even fit that beauty standard, which is thin, white, muscular, or just super fit, masculine. I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something growing up: Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough," she said, highlighting the internal struggles many face in reconciling their identities with societal expectations.
Despite these challenges, Airyn is determined to pave her own way in the entertainment industry as an aspiring actress and model while pursuing studies to become a mental health counselor. She aims to inspire others who may be navigating similar journeys of self-acceptance. "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 stated. Her commitment to mental health advocacy reflects her desire to provide support for marginalized communities, particularly given the high rates of suicidality among Black trans and nonbinary youth.
In her interview, Airyn also touched upon the importance of visibility and representation within the LGBTQ+ community. "There’s a difference between being visible and being seen. I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet," she said, emphasizing the need for authentic representation that resonates with individuals who share her experiences. Airyn's journey is not just about her transition; it is also about creating a space where others can feel validated and supported.
As she navigates her transition, Airyn has faced unexpected media attention, particularly following a paparazzi photo that captured her new look. This incident highlighted the complexities of living in the public eye, where narratives can often be shaped without the individual's input. "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 remarked, expressing her frustration with the media's portrayal of her identity.
Airyn's story is one of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of authenticity. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by trans individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. "People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support," she asserted, underlining the importance of inclusive mental health resources that address the unique challenges faced by these communities.
As Airyn continues to embrace her identity, she remains committed to her goals in the entertainment industry and mental health advocacy. With each step forward, she is not only carving out her own path but also inspiring others to embrace their true selves. Airyn De Niro's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, representation, and the ongoing fight for acceptance in a world that often seeks to define us by outdated norms and stereotypes.
