AceShowbiz - In a candid interview with Them, Airyn De Niro opened up about her life as one of Robert De Niro's seven children, her transition journey, and her career ambitions.

Airyn, who is studying to become a mental health counselor, wants to be recognized for her own merit rather than her famous last name. "Obviously, no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight," she said, emphasizing her desire for a normal childhood.

Robert De Niro welcomed Airyn and her twin brother Julian in 1995 with actress Toukie Smith. Despite their fame with De Niro's nine Oscar nominations and two wins, the parents have worked hard to keep their children's lives private.

"They just sort of reminded me that people really don't know anything about me," Airyn reflected on recent public appearances that spurred inaccuracies in the media.

Unlike the typical "nepo baby" label, Airyn stresses that her success will come on her own terms. "I wasn't brought up having a side part in one of dad's movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit," she shared.

Despite auditioning for notable roles, like Jules in "Euphoria", she is still working on building her acting resume.

The 29-year-old actress and aspiring model also discussed her body image struggles and feelings of not fitting in. "I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something growing up: Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough. It was never just, 'You're just right, just the way you are.' "

The turning point for Airyn came after watching Halle Bailey's rendition of "The Little Mermaid", which inspired her to embrace her Blackness and her new identity.

"I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me," she explained. She began hormone therapy last November, hoping to be an inspiration for those who see themselves in her.

Airyn aims to advocate for mental health support among people of color and queer communities. "People of color and queer people definitely need more mental health advocacy and support," she expressed. "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."

Addressing the broader societal narrative, Airyn poignantly stated, "There's a difference between being visible and being seen. I've been visible. I don't think I've been seen yet." With her forthrightness and resilience, Airyn De Niro is taking steps not only to be seen but also to help others on their journey toward self-acceptance.