In a sit-down with Them, a well-known LGBTQ+ publication, the 29-year-old proudly announced, “I’m stepping into this new identity,” officially introducing herself to the world as Airyn.
“Visible, But Never Seen”
Airyn reflected on her journey with gender identity and self-acceptance, revealing that although she’s always been “visible” as one of De Niro’s seven children, she’s never truly felt “seen” for who she is. Now, she’s taking control of her narrative, determined to live authentically.
“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she shared in the interview. “I’ve always been visible, but I’ve rarely felt truly seen.”
Facing Labels and Rewriting Her Story
Airyn is the daughter of Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, and she has a twin brother named Julian. Over the years, she’s been labeled a “nepo baby” by tabloids due to her famous lineage. But she’s quick to set the record straight — noting that her father never used his fame to open doors for her, never brought her to red carpet events, and encouraged her to forge her own path.
“My parents aren’t perfect,” she admitted, “but I’m grateful they gave me the chance to grow up outside of the spotlight.”
Struggles with Body Dysmorphia and Identity
In her candid conversation, Airyn also opened up about battling body dysmorphia, a mental health condition where individuals become obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance. As a young person of mixed race, she said she constantly faced criticism and confusion about her identity.
“I was told I was too big, not skinny enough, not Black enough, not white enough, too feminine, not masculine enough,” she said. “It was never, ‘You’re just right as you are.’”
Starting Hormone Therapy and Embracing Self-Love
Airyn shared that she began hormone therapy in November 2023, marking a major step in her transition. She credits her mother and other Black women as her inspiration for embracing her identity and finding strength in her uniqueness.
Championing Inclusivity for the Queer and Black Communities
Airyn now hopes to use her platform to inspire others who feel unseen — especially Black, queer individuals in larger bodies. She believes it’s time to change societal standards that still promote “heroin chic” or ultra-thin beauty norms.
“There’s space for people like me, and I want to help create that space,” she emphasized.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Mental Health
With a focus on community healing and mental wellness, Airyn plans to become a mental health professional, specializing in treating queer people and people of color. Her goal is to provide the kind of affirming, inclusive care she wishes had been available during her own journey.
A Brave Step Toward Living Authentically
Airyn De Niro’s coming-out moment is already resonating with many across the internet — not just because she’s the daughter of a Hollywood icon, but because of her honesty, resilience, and commitment to being a voice for the underrepresented.
As she steps boldly into this new chapter of life, she reminds us that true visibility comes from embracing who you are — without apology.
