Airyn De Niro, 29, daughter of actor Robert De Niro, has publicly come out as a trans woman in a new interview with Them.
Though parts of her journey have been previously reported, Airyn says this is the first time she’s truly felt “seen.”
She began hormone therapy in late 2024, describing it as a way to preserve a femininity she’d always felt but had been bullied for while growing up in New York.
Inspired by trans women like Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Laverne Cox, Airyn said seeing others thrive made her believe “maybe it’s not too late for me.”
She also reflected on her identity as a mixed-race woman, saying embracing her Blackness has brought her closer to the women who influenced her.
“Stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them.”
Though she’s the daughter of a Hollywood legend, Airyn has rejected the “nepo baby” label and said she's faced challenges breaking into acting, including losing out on the role of Jules in Euphoria.
She hopes to inspire other queer, plus-sized women of color to see themselves in media. Airyn also dreams of modeling—possibly even appearing on the cover of Vogue with her mother.
Robert De Niro has previously expressed support for his LGBTQ+ family. In 2019, he shared fears for his gay son during the Trump presidency, and in 2014, spoke of wishing he’d had deeper conversations with his own gay father.
People were excited to hear about Airyn.
@findingeliza/Instagram
@aj_silverfox/Instagram
@theashleyarnold/Instagram
They attributed some of her good looks to her mother, of course.
@markbambach/Instagram
@van_batsing/Tiktok
@fyre_zenith/TikTok
De Niro has talked about the struggles his father faced.
@lizlemonbutnottalented/TikTok
Which might have made him a better parent to Airyn.
@lv_2114/TikTok
@rebeccakerr56/TikTok
@wynsempire/TikTok
@mcgeeisme21/TikTok
@glendonstuck/TikTok
Airyn looks forward to her future career—and life—as herself!
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter