The daughter of Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith thanked supporters and sent a message about sharing opportunities with other trans individuals…
After introducing herself to the world and coming out as a trans woman, love and support for Airyn De Niro has been pouring in. On Friday, Airyn released a video on Instagram thanking everyone including friends, family, strangers and even old classmates. “Thank you for reaching out, it means a lot…” she says.
Some of those individuals include four-time Emmy nominated actress Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black), who Airyn noted was someone she looked up to on her journey.
In a video statement Cox said, “I just want to take a moment to give a special shout out to Airyn de Niro. Hi Airyn, I just read that I’m one of the women who’ve inspired you over the years and I’m deeply, deeply honoured that I can be an inspiration for you.”
The actress goes on to say how she feels as though she isn’t doing enough in these ‘troubling times,’ as the American government enacts anti-trans policies. “I always have to remind myself that if I can touch one person’s life, if I can inspire someone, one person, to be more themselves, to live authentically and embrace every single aspect of who they are then that is enough. That is enough,” she continues in the video.
In addition to Cox’s video, Airyn’s father also released a statement. The two-time Academy Award winning actor told Variety, “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.”
In her video, Airyn also thanks those who have offered her film roles and modelling opportunities. She goes on to recognize her privilege coming from a show business family and urges those people who gave her the offers to extend them to others in the community. “I don’t feel I am as deserving of those opportunities,” she states. “While I recognize coming out in and of itself is an act of bravery, especially given the current climate of things, there are folks who have it much harder than I do…who despite all that live their truths and I want to hold space for them, say thank you to them and I hope those individuals who are way braver than I am, are presented with the same opportunities that I am.”
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