Robert De Niro’s daughter, Airyn De Niro, has publicly come out as transgender in her first in-depth interview since she started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) last November. Airyn, 29, who shares a twin brother Julian with the actor and his former partner, model Toukie Smith, opened up about her transition in a conversation with Them magazine.

Reflecting on her decision to pursue HRT, Airyn credited the visibility of trans women being 'honest and open' online as a catalyst for realising that embracing her identity was still possible. HRT, a medical process involving hormone administration to help align one’s physical attributes with their gender identity, is often a vital component of many trans people’s journeys.

'There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,' Airyn explained to Them. 'I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.'

Having come out as gay during her high school years, Airyn shared experiences of feeling perpetually 'too much of something or not enough of something' growing up—whether it was about her body, her racial identity, or her gender expression. 'Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough,' she said. 'It was never just, "You’re just right, just the way you are".'

Airyn also talked about a growing pride in her Blackness that connects her more deeply with the strong Black women in her life as she steps into her evolving identity.

Family dynamics also featured in her reflections, particularly how her father’s family often discusses how happy Robert De Niro was with Airyn’s mother. Airyn expressed a wish to be seen with a similar warmth and affection, aspiring to embody a femininity that is 'inviting and warm and welcoming', free from masks and pretense.

Despite her famous lineage, Airyn does not view herself as a ‘nepo baby.’ She revealed having faced challenges in her pursuit of an acting career, including two unsuccessful auditions for the video game League of Legends. She acknowledged her father’s encouragement to carve out her own path and earn success independently. 'I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres,' she said. 'My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.'

Source: Noah Wire Services