Robert De Niro is expressing his support for his daughter Airyn De Niro after she came out as trans.
“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,” Robert De Niro said in a statement to Deadline.
In a powerful interview with Them, Airyn shared details about growing up as one of the two-time Oscar winner’s seven children. Airyn’s mother is actress Toukie Smith and has a twin brother named Julian.
“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” Airyn told Them. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Airyn noted that “no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.”
After the interview was published, Airyn started receiving support on social media, and she took to Instagram to address everyone, saying: “Thank you to everyone who’s been so sweet and supportive! I’m not used to all these eyes on me.”
“Also for the folks asking if I have representation or signed to anyone. I am literally just a girl with a phone,” she added. “So sorry if I miss your messages.”
Airyn De Niro’s statement on Instagram
Instagram / voiceofairyn
Airyn noted that Laverne Cox was one of the trans women who inspired her saying: “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.”
After reading her interview, Cox took to Instagram to share a video dedicated to her.
