After one of his children came out as transgender at 29, Robert De Niro expressed his support. The 81-year-old actor has seven children and welcomed his youngest child with Tiffany Chen in April 2023. His child, Airyn, born in 1995, shared her journey in an interview, stating, “It just felt right” regarding her transition.

Airyn grew up mostly out of the spotlight, appreciating her parents’ efforts to provide her with a typical childhood. She began hormone therapy in November 2024 after being inspired by other trans women discussing their experiences.

Following her announcement, De Niro conveyed his unwavering love for Airyn, saying, “I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” and expressed confusion over why this was a big deal.

Amid ongoing discussions about trans rights in the U.S., Airyn aims to succeed “on [her] own merit” while pursuing a degree in mental health counseling. She hopes to inspire other Black queer individuals, advocating for representation of diverse body types in the community.