Airyn De Niro, the daughter of acclaimed actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, has publicly shared her journey of transitioning into a woman. Airyn, born in 1995 along with her twin brother Julian through a surrogate, was her father’s first child. Now a trans woman, she began hormone therapy in 2022. She took this big leap after hearing the experiences of other trans women across social media. Their experiences provided her a much needed purpose, and more importantly, they provided her connection and an understanding.
In Wait’s recent interview with Them, Airyn reflects on growing up. She opened up about how she always felt like the odd man out due to her being biracial and her lived experience as a bigger bodied person. She candidly discussed the challenges of growing up, stating, “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.” These sentiments further fed Ava’s sense of worthlessness and need to belong.
Airyn’s transition has allowed her to engage more profoundly with her Black identity. She noted, “I think a big part of [my transition] is the influence Black women have had on me,” highlighting the importance of representation and support in her journey.
Robert De Niro has been a longtime, outspoken supporter of his daughter’s transition. “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” he stated, emphasizing the familial bond that remains strong despite the changes. She thanked her parents for their efforts to give her a childhood free from public scrutiny.
“Obviously no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight,” Airyn shared. “They wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.” Those campaigns have helped her feel more confident and comfortable in her identity.
Reflecting on her teenage experience, Airyn said that she came out as a lesbian while in high school. Even with this, she still struggled with the feelings of being an outsider. I was never popular in school or had a boyfriend growing up, she remembered. “Looking back, do we really need to be dating in middle school? I was like, ‘Wow, these things signify I’m very unwanted. I’m not desirable. I’m not attractive like the other people…’”
Airyn noted the distinction between being visible and being really seen. She wishes that other people are able to see the work that she’s done to heal from her past insecurities. “I wish people saw someone who is trying their hardest to heal from growing up not feeling good about themselves,” she stated.
Follow Airyn De Niro on her journey of acceptance and self-discovery and empowerment. Her remarkable journey continues to guide the way for so many others who are rising up against the odds. Her family’s support stands as a testament to the importance of love and understanding in the face of personal transformation.
