Cher, Robert De Niro And Jamie Lee Curtis Show How Parents Can Support Trans Kids
It is always a powerful moment when Hollywood icons step up to fiercely protect and honour their children. We love seeing our favourite stars use their platforms to spread acceptance, especially when it comes to the transgender community. From Cher’s respectful approach to her family history to Robert De Niro’s no-nonsense support, these celebrity parents are showing the world exactly how it is done.
Cher handles the past with respect.
Cher has never been one to shy away from the truth. In her highly anticipated autobiography Cher: The Memoir, Part One, which hit shelves last year, the pop legend addresses her son Chaz Bono’s life before his transition with incredible sensitivity. According to The New York Times, Cher includes a disclaimer at the start of the book. She notes that she received Chaz’s blessing to use his birth name when recounting stories from before his 2008 transition.
She writes that in the next volume she will refer to her son as Chaz at the appropriate time. It is a thoughtful distinction that honours his history while respecting who he is today. Cher opened up about this experience to CNN previously, admitting that while the adjustment had its difficult moments, her love remained constant. She beautifully noted that you do not lose a child when they transition because “they just are in a different shape.”
Robert De Niro sets a new standard.
While Cher is revisiting the past, Robert De Niro is focused on the present. His daughter Airyn De Niro, who publicly came out as trans in a profile for Them, has praised her father for his unwavering support. When tabloids began circulating photos of Airyn, the Goodfellas star shut down any speculation with a simple, effective statement. He told the press that he loves all his children and did not see what the “big deal” was.
Airyn told Them that her father’s reaction to her transition and her choices regarding gender-affirming procedures has been incredibly validating. When she discussed cosmetic adjustments with him, De Niro reassured her that she was already a “good-looking kid” and did not need to change for anyone else. However, he ultimately backed her decision if it made her feel more at home in her body. Airyn noted that while his acceptance is wonderful, it “should be the standard” for all parents.
Jamie Lee Curtis is a grateful student.
We also cannot overlook the warmth of Jamie Lee Curtis. When her daughter Ruby realised she was trans, she was initially too intimidated to say the words face-to-face. Instead, she texted her mother after leaving the family home. Jamie Lee told PEOPLE that she called Ruby immediately and there were tears involved, but they were tears of a family growing closer.
At DNA, we admire how open Curtis is about her own learning curve. She admits that she is a “grateful student” who is learning new terminology. She acknowledges that she will make mistakes, but she is trying hard to avoid big ones. For Jamie Lee, the goal is simple. She hopes that by sharing their story, others might feel free to say “this is who I am.”
These stories from Cher, Robert De Niro, and Jamie Lee Curtis remind us that unconditional love is the most powerful force of all. How different would the world look if every parent took a page out of their book?
