Airyn De Niro, the 29-year-old daughter of Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, has come out publicly as transgender in a heartfelt interview, sharing her personal journey, challenges, and hopes for the future.
In her conversation with Them, Airyn opened up about the experience of transitioning, noting that while parts of her story have been discussed in the media before, this marks the first time she’s telling it on her own terms.
“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” Airyn said. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
She began hormone therapy in November 2024, a decision driven by her desire to embrace and preserve her femininity — something she says she’s always had, but was bullied for during her childhood in New York.
Finding Strength in Representation
Airyn credits seeing other trans women, such as Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Laverne Cox, living authentically and visibly in public life as sources of encouragement.
“Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success” made her realise, “Maybe it’s not too late for me.”
She also explored how her identity as a mixed-race woman has shaped her experience of transitioning.
“I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me,” she explained. “Stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.”
A Journey Beyond Nepo Labels
Despite being the daughter of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, Airyn says she has struggled to break into acting, deliberately choosing not to lean on her surname.
She has faced setbacks, including losing the role of Jules in Euphoria — now famously played by Hunter Schafer. “I didn’t want to be just another nepo baby,” she said, referencing criticism faced by stars like Lily-Rose Depp and Ben Platt.
Still, she’s undeterred. Her focus now is on creating more space in entertainment for people who don’t fit conventional moulds.
“I’d want to hopefully be an inspiration for at least one other person like me — who is Black, who is queer, who’s not a size extra small,” she said. “I’d want to see more trans women, more Black women who are maybe bigger-bodied or don’t fit the mould of super thin or heroin chic.”
Ambitions and Dreams
Airyn has aspirations of modelling and dreams of one day recreating a photo shoot with her mother — appearing together on the cover of Vogue.
“Honestly, if I could be on the cover of Vogue with her or recreating one of her pictures, that would be a dream come true,” she shared.
A Family Legacy of Acceptance
Robert De Niro has previously expressed support for his LGBTQ+ family members. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, he voiced concern for his gay son in the era of Donald Trump. In 2014, he also spoke to Out about his late father, who was gay.
“I wish we had spoken about it much more,” he said at the time. “For my kids, I want them to stop and take a moment and realise that you sometimes have to do things now instead of later, because later may be 20 years from now — and that’s too late.”
With courage and authenticity, Airyn is now taking that step forward.
