Robert De Niro’s Support for His Trans Daughter, Airyn, Shows How Simple It Can Be to Be a Supportive Parent
Robert De Nirois the father of seven children, ranging in age from 57 to 2. And in April, his 29-year-old daughter Airyn found herself in the spotlight when shecame out as transgender.
In a world where public figures often navigate personal matters with caution, Robert De Niro has once again proven that supporting a transgender child can be as straightforward as it is heartfelt. When asked about his daughter Airyn De Niro’s transition, the iconic actor offered a response that resonated widely for its simplicity and sincerity, reinforcing the power of unconditional love. His comments, made during a June 2025 interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Tribeca Film Festival, have sparked widespread praise, serving as a model for parents and allies alike.
A Father’s Unwavering Support
De Niro’s daughter, Airyn De Niro, came out as transgender in an April 2025 interview with Them magazine. Formerly known as Aaron, Airyn shared her journey of self-discovery, detailing the challenges of being outed by tabloids and the emotional weight of navigating her identity in the public eye. As one of De Niro’s seven children, Airyn’s story could have been overshadowed by her father’s celebrity status. Instead, De Niro has used his platform to amplify a message of acceptance.
When Entertainment Tonight asked De Niro about Airyn’s transition, his response was refreshingly direct: “Whatever it is, you have to support them. And they have to know that you support them. Always.” The simplicity of his words belies their profound impact. In a cultural moment where transgender issues are often politicized, De Niro’s approach cuts through the noise, emphasizing love and support over complexity or debate.
This wasn’t the first time De Niro addressed Airyn’s transition. In a May 2025 interview with Variety, he spoke candidly about his daughter’s journey, stating, “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children.” His matter-of-fact tone underscores a powerful truth: for De Niro, supporting Airyn is not about grand gestures or public statements—it’s about being a parent.
Airyn’s Journey and the Public Eye
Airyn’s coming out was not without its challenges. In her Them interview, she revealed that tabloids had outed her before she was ready to share her story publicly, a violation that added layers of difficulty to an already personal process. Despite this, Airyn expressed gratitude for the support of her parents, De Niro and his partner Tiffany Chen. “I’m lucky to have parents who are supportive,” she said, acknowledging their role in helping her navigate both her transition and the unwanted media attention.
Airyn’s story is a reminder of the unique pressures faced by those in the public eye, particularly when their personal journeys intersect with broader societal debates. Yet, her father’s consistent support has provided a steady anchor. De Niro’s refusal to engage in controversy or overcomplicate his response has resonated with many, particularly on social media platforms like X, where users have lauded his approach as a blueprint for allyship.
A Model for Supportive Parenting
De Niro’s comments have struck a chord because they demonstrate that supporting a transgender child doesn’t require exhaustive explanations or performative gestures. His words—“Whatever it is, you have to support them”—are a call to action for parents to prioritize love over judgment. On X, posts about De Niro’s response have garnered thousands of likes and shares, with users calling him “a class act” and noting that “this is how you do it—support your kid, no questions asked.”
Advocacy groups have also pointed to De Niro’s example as a way to normalize conversations about transgender identities. The Trevor Project, a leading organization focused on LGBTQ+ youth, has emphasized that parental support is one of the most critical factors in the mental health and well-being of transgender and nonbinary youth. Studies from the organization show that transgender youth with supportive families are significantly less likely to experience depression or attempt suicide. De Niro’s public stance, while personal, contributes to a broader cultural shift toward acceptance.
Beyond the Headlines
De Niro’s support for Airyn is not just a headline—it’s part of a larger pattern of his commitment to his family. The 81-year-old actor, known for roles in films like The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull, is a father to seven children, ranging in age from their 50s to his youngest, born in 2023. His approach to parenting, as evidenced by his comments about Airyn, is rooted in a belief that love and support are non-negotiable, regardless of the circumstances.
Airyn herself has chosen to maintain a relatively low profile, focusing on her personal journey rather than seeking the spotlight. Her decision to share her story with Them was a deliberate step to reclaim her narrative after the tabloid intrusion. In doing so, she has highlighted the importance of agency in one’s own story—a theme her father’s support has amplified.
A Lesson in Simplicity
Robert De Niro’s response to questions about his transgender daughter proves that allyship doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on love, support, and acceptance, he has offered a powerful example for parents, public figures, and allies. His words remind us that at the heart of every conversation about identity is a human being deserving of dignity and respect.
As Airyn continues her journey, she does so with the backing of a father who has made it clear that his love is unconditional. In a world that often demands complexity, De Niro’s straight-up approach is a refreshing reminder: it really is that easy to be supportive.
