Robert De Niro Talks Supporting Trans Daughter
Robert De Niro is the father of 7 children, ranging in age from 57 to 2. And in April, his 29-year-old daughter Airyn found herself in the spotlight when she came out as transgender.
In an April 29 interview with Them, Airyn — whom Robert shares with his ex, Toukie Smith — opened up about 'stepping into [her] new identity,' saying: 'There's a difference between being visible and being seen. I've been visible. I don't think I've been seen yet.'
'Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success… I'm like, you know what? Maybe it's not too late for me. Maybe I can start,' she added. You can read the full interview here.
Robert is pretty private when it comes to his personal life. However, the Oscar-winner wasted no time voicing his support for his daughter, telling Variety in a statement on April 30: '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.'
So, as Airyn received tons of support online, Robert was also praised for his straight-up comments on the news, with fans pointing out that it 'really is that simple' to be loving and accepting of the trans community and those around you.
And now, at this week's Tribeca Film Festival, Robert was asked about his support of Airyn and his six other children in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, prompting him to deliver yet another perfect no BS response.
Discussing the importance of allowing his children to be authentically themselves, he said: 'The main thing is to support your kids. As long as they're not hurting themselves, doing anything that's destructive or anything like that, you have to support them. Period.'
"Whatever it is, you have to support them," he added. "And they have to know that you support them. Always."
He's a man of few words, and he does it so well. It really is that easy. You can find the full ET interview here.
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