29-Year-Old Shares Transition Journey and Influence of Black Women in Candid Interview

LOS ANGELES – Aaron De Niro, the 29-year-old son of Hollywood icon Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, has publicly announced he identifies as a transgender woman in an exclusive interview with Them magazine, published Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Aaron, one of De Niro’s seven children and a twin to brother Julian, began hormone therapy in November 2024 and spoke about how his transition reflects his pride in his Black identity and admiration for Black women.

In the interview, Aaron discussed his path to embracing his gender identity, emphasizing the role of influential figures in his life. “I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me,” he told Them. “Stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.” He credited trans women like Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Jools Lebron for inspiring him to come out, noting their openness on social media gave him courage. “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,” he said.

Aaron, an aspiring actor, model, and voice actor who is studying to become a mental health counselor, also addressed the challenges of growing up as the child of a famous father. He emphasized that his parents prioritized privacy, shielding him from public scrutiny. “Obviously, no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight,” Aaron said. “They wanted it very private; they have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.” He dismissed “nepo baby” accusations, insisting that his recent auditions, including for the video game League of Legends, are based on his own efforts, not his father’s influence.

The announcement follows a March 2025 paparazzi photo that fueled speculation about Aaron’s gender identity after he was spotted in New York City with long pink locs and heeled boots. A tabloid incorrectly outed him as transgender, prompting him to share his story on his own terms. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” he told Them. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.” Aaron expressed a desire to inspire others, particularly Black, queer, and plus-size individuals who identify as trans women, noting their underrepresentation in media. “I’d want to hopefully be an inspiration for at least one other person like me who is Black, who is queer, who’s not a size extra small,” he said.

Aaron also spoke candidly about past struggles with societal beauty standards and body dysmorphia, recalling being told he was “too big, not skinny enough, not Black enough, not white enough, too feminine, not masculine enough.” He described feeling like a “late bloomer” in his transition and expressed concern that his family might still view him as his former self. However, he noted that both Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith have been supportive. He highlighted his mother as a role model, saying, “Whenever I’m at a family gathering on my dad’s side, people would always talk about how much they love my mom and how memorable she was.”

The announcement has sparked varied reactions online, with posts on X reflecting both support and criticism. Some users expressed admiration for Aaron’s courage, with one writing, “Wishing him strength on this journey,” while others questioned the announcement, with comments like, “Biological reality doesn’t change.” The polarized responses underscore ongoing debates about gender identity, but Aaron remains focused on authenticity and advocacy. He aims to support mental health initiatives for people of color and queer communities, stating, “People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support, so I’m hoping I’m able to do that.”

Robert De Niro, a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and recipient of GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award in 2016, has not publicly commented on Aaron’s announcement. The 81-year-old actor, known for classics like Raging Bull and Goodfellas, has previously emphasized his support for his children’s individual paths, telling People in 2020, “For my kids, I tell them, ‘If you want to be an actor or you want to do this or that, that’s fine as long as you’re happy.’”