Robert de Niro's daughter Airyn is ready to talk about her transition. In a new profile themthe actress' daughter begins with model Toukie Smith about how she wants to imitate her mother as she continues to embrace her trans identity and become a symbol of representation.
"I want to be inspired by at least one other person like me who is black, queer, not the size of people," the 29-year-old told The Outlet. "I want to see more trans women, more black women, who may be bigger or not fit into ultra-thin or heroin fashion molds."
The new interview comes after Airyn was the target of the tabloid headlines, calling her "Nepo Baby Son of Robert de Niro", who questioned her pink Locs and women's outfits. "They not only got the information about me wrong... they just reminded me that people knew nothing about me," she said. She said that no media contacted her until the story was published. This is part of the reason why she decided to speak out about her identity publicly.
Airyn shared in an interview that she has been showing up with women since she went to school, but she only heard other trans women talking about their transition before starting hormone therapy. "Trans women are honest and open, especially in public places like social media and seeing them in their success... I think, you know? Maybe it's not too late for me," she said. "Maybe I can start."
As she enters this new stage of her life, Airyn said she is worried that her family “still see me as someone before the transition” but she looks forward to bravely embarking on a new era of life.
“[My mom]behaviour or keeping herself the way I saw her interacting with others in public when I was young, and I saw myself mimicking that in some way,” Erin said. “Whether it’s just opening up the charm or wanting to be feminine in a seductive, passionate and passionate way.”
Airyn said she plans to continue pursuing sound performance and modeling, although she has been working hard to take on roles as she tries to build her own path separate from her father’s success. She auditioned for Jules Happy and voice roles League of Legendsbut is also studying to become a mental health consultant. “My dad is big on his way to find himself,” Erin said. “I hope (successfully) happens with my own strengths.”
After her story was published, Laverne Cox shared a sweet message for Airyn, calling her “very honored” to help inspire Airyn’s transition. "I want to congratulate you on embracing your beauty... trans beauty," Cox said. "I believe every fiber of my fiber has been eroded by the cream...claiming that our span and having it is gradually falling into the sacredness of true beauty."