Airyn De Niro, the 29-year-old daughter of actor Robert De Niro and former model Toukie Smith, has come out publicly as a transgender woman in her first-ever interview.

Speaking with Them, Airyn shared that she began hormone therapy in November and opened up about her journey of self-discovery and identity. She revealed that a key turning point came after watching Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, which inspired her to take tangible steps toward embracing her true self—including booking her first appointment at a Black hair salon.

“That moment was deeply affirming,” she said. “A big part of my transition has been shaped by the influence of Black women. Embracing my gender identity and reconnecting with my Black heritage has brought me closer to a sense of self I’ve always longed for.”

Assigned male at birth and previously named Aaron, Airyn described coming out as a deeply personal yet empowering act—one motivated by the increasing visibility of trans individuals in media and public life. “I thought, ‘Maybe it’s not too late for me. Maybe I can finally begin,’” she said.

Raised largely out of the public eye by her famous parents, Airyn reflected on how their decision to keep her childhood private gave her a sense of normalcy, despite her father’s high-profile career. Robert De Niro, 81, is one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, known for classics like Taxi Driver, The Godfather Part II, and Raging Bull. Her mother, Toukie Smith, 72, is a former model and actress.

Airyn acknowledged that while she is interested in acting and modeling, she is wary of being labeled a “nepo baby.” “I’m grateful my parents didn’t push me into the spotlight. They wanted me to find my own way,” she said. “If I pursue something creatively, I want to succeed based on my own merit.”

She also spoke openly about her struggles with body image and identity growing up, particularly as someone navigating intersecting pressures around race, gender, and beauty standards. “I never felt like I fit in,” she said. “Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough. I was always ‘too’ something or ‘not enough’ something. Never just right.”

Now, by sharing her story, Airyn hopes to inspire others to feel less alone. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she said. “I’ve been visible. But I don’t think I’ve truly been seen—until now.”

Airyn is one of Robert De Niro’s seven children. She has a twin brother, Julian, and five half-siblings: Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen, and Gia.