Robert De Niro Supports Airyn De Niro Coming Out As Trans

In a passionate expression of love, Robert De Niro has publicly supported his daughter, Airyn De Niro, after she recently made the brave decision to come out as transgender. The Oscar-winning actor, famous for his tough-guy roles and film legacy, has shown the world that love has no limits when it comes to family.

Jordan Julian writes that Airyn De Niro's coming out as a trans woman was incredibly personal, and she decided to share it publicly. On the heels of the announcement, Robert De Niro released an encouraging and inspiring statement that resonated with fans and advocates. "I loved and supported Aaron as my son," De Niro said, "and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter."

It's a simple but powerful message that you should always be who you want to be and that family is forever. "I don't know what the big deal is… I love all my children," he said. These words are delivered with clarity and warmth in a voice that has spoken publicly, on record, infrequently, but with countless words to friends and intimates, recently to only songs composed for his songs to sing, of course. Robert is the father of Airyn and her twin brother, Julian, with actress and model Toukie Smith. Raised out of the limelight, Airyn's choice to publicly express her truth is a significant moment for the De Niro family and countless trans people seeking representation and acceptance in the mainstream.

In an interview posted to coincide with the day before her father made the statement, Airyn discussed with the publication what she thought her family would say about her coming out. "I think part of me is concerned that [my family] will maybe still think of me as the person I was before the transition," she said. Her insecurity reflects a widespread fear of many trans people that they will not be recognized or honored, even by those closest to them, as who they are.

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Despite those fears, Airyn credited her parents, who protected her and her brother from the pressure of public life. "They wanted it very private," she said. "They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible." That choice set the groundwork for emotional stability, allowing Airyn to accept herself as subject to the truth when it mattered the most.

A self-described "late bloomer," Airyn started hormone therapy in November and has pioneers like Laverne Cox and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez to thank for giving her the confidence to live authentically. Their representation on screen has been instrumental in changing age-old norms and setting role models for people like Airyn who are going through the same experiences.

The deafening message is not exclusive to Hollywood but one that Robert De Niro sends loud and clear with his endorsement. At a time when trans rights are once again under fire, and the community at large is plagued by discrimination and misunderstanding, support from a high-profile parent like De Niro is symbolic. His words may motivate other parents to listen, learn, and, most importantly, love.

What's significant about De Niro's response is that it was normal. He didn't make a big, showy speech or try to present himself as a statement against the day's politics. Instead, he loved his daughter the way he always had. It's this subtle but steadfast encouragement that counts and that reminds the world to look not just outward but within for acceptance.