Robert De Niro’s Daughter Airyn Opens Up About the Powerful Support She’s Received After Coming Out as Transgender
At 30 years old, Airyn De Niro is stepping into her identity with confidence — and she credits one person above all for giving her the strength to live openly: her father, legendary actor Robert De Niro.
In a new, deeply personal interview, Airyn revealed that the Hollywood icon has been “nonstop” in his support since she came out as transgender, describing him not as the world-famous actor audiences know, but simply as the father who stood by her at every step of her journey.
According to Airyn, the reaction from her father was immediate and heartfelt. “He’s happy for me,” she shared. “He told me he’s proud that I’m living my truth.” Those words, she explained, carried more weight than any public approval or praise could. For her, they signified unconditional acceptance — the kind every child hopes for when revealing a deeply personal part of themselves.
One of the most touching moments came when De Niro met her boyfriend for the first time. Instead of awkward tension or reserved politeness, Robert welcomed him warmly. Afterward, he told Airyn something she says she will never forget:
“You have somebody who loves you for you, and you don’t need to change yourself for anybody.”
For Airyn, those words weren’t just comforting — they were affirming. She felt seen not as someone transitioning or seeking approval, but as a daughter fully embraced for who she is.
She also shared details from a recent therapy session, where De Niro spoke candidly about how he views his role as her father. In that session, he said something simple yet profound:
“There’s no other thing to do than accept your kid for who they are and where they decide to go in life.”
Airyn said hearing her father openly express that belief filled her with a sense of security and belonging that she had long hoped for. “Not everyone gets that kind of support,” she said. “I know how lucky I am.”
She explained that her father has always had a natural instinct for empathy. “He’s always been good at being a dad and accepting people from all walks of life,” she said. Whether it was friends she brought home, people he worked with, or strangers they encountered, Robert had a way of treating everyone with dignity. That attitude, she believes, set the foundation for how he approached her transition — not with shock or confusion, but with openness and love.
Airyn hopes that sharing her story publicly will inspire other parents to respond with the same level of compassion. “His support shouldn’t be the exception,” she said. “It should be the standard.”
She acknowledged that many transgender people fear losing their families, homes, or relationships when they come out. Her message to parents is simple: acceptance can save lives. “All we want is to be loved for who we are,” she said. “My dad understood that right away.”
Today, Airyn says she feels more grounded, more confident, and more at peace than ever before. And while the spotlight can be intense for anyone associated with a celebrity of De Niro’s stature, she believes her journey is worth sharing if it helps even one person feel less alone.
“Living my truth has been liberating,” she said. “And having my dad beside me through it all means everything.”