After coming out as transgender at 29, Robert De Niro’s daughter Airyn shared her journey publicly for the first time. Born in 1995 during De Niro’s relationship with Toukie Smith, Airyn described struggling with beauty standards and said starting hormone therapy in November 2024 “just felt right.”
Despite growing up away from the spotlight, Airyn now hopes to inspire others—especially Black, queer, plus-sized women—by living openly. “I want to succeed on my own merit,” she said, as she pursues a degree in mental health counseling.
De Niro, 81, expressed unconditional support for his daughter. “I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” he told People. “I’m not sure what the big deal is. I cherish each and every one of my kids.”
Airyn’s coming out coincides with political backlash against trans rights in the U.S., making her story even more significant in today’s climate.
