Robert De Niro Affirms Support for Transgender Daughter Amid Controversial Legal Landscape

De Niro's statement of love for his daughter, combined with Airyn's reflections on her transition, highlights a growing discourse around transgender visibility and rights, particularly in a climate where legal definitions of gender are being contested.

In a recent interview with LGBTQ+ publication Them, actor Robert De Niro affirmed his support for his daughter, Airyn, who has come out as transgender. De Niro, known for his roles in films like "Goodfellas," released his statement in response to Airyn’s revelations about her journey in stepping into her new identity. "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter," he stated, emphasizing his unconditional love for his children.

Airyn, now 29, shared that she began her transition last year, expressing a need for visibility and affirmation. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she remarked, indicating that while she has publicly transitioned, she still feels her identity needs to be acknowledged more profoundly. She cited actress Laverne Cox as a source of inspiration and expressed aspirations to increase transgender visibility and honor her black queer ancestors.

The conversation surrounding transgender rights takes on added significance given the recent legal context in the UK. There, a Supreme Court ruling defined a woman by biological sex under equalities law, igniting debates about transgender rights and public perception. The only transgender judge in the UK has indicated plans to challenge this ruling at the European Court of Human Rights, declaring it a violation of human rights.

In light of these discussions, De Niro’s support of Airyn signals a personal commitment to the broader transgender rights movement, advocating for love and acceptance amidst evolving legal and societal challenges. As Airyn noted, despite parental imperfections, she appreciated her parents' efforts to allow her a private childhood, which now enables her to express her true self openly.