Robert De Niro’s son, Airyn De Niro, made headlines this week after publicly coming out as transgender. But what’s catching many conservatives off guard is not just the announcement itself—it’s the reason behind it. According to Airyn, a pivotal moment in her gender journey was inspired by none other than Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Let that sink in.
In an age where identity is increasingly shaped by algorithms, media, and the latest Netflix special, Airyn points to a Disney movie as a turning point in her self-discovery. More specifically, she said that seeing Halle Bailey’s hair in the film—particularly her locs—was the catalyst that pushed her to book her first appointment at a Black hair salon, a symbolic moment in her transition.
As a conservative cultural commentator, I find this deeply concerning. We’re watching a generation be shaped not by family values or personal responsibility, but by media-driven narratives where self-expression is often celebrated over self-understanding.
When a young person says they began exploring gender identity based on how a fictional mermaid looked on screen, it raises critical questions: What role is Hollywood playing in shaping our children’s identities? What are the long-term consequences of anchoring life-altering decisions to entertainment and celebrity culture?
This is more than a one-off story—it’s part of a trend. From Disney characters to TikTok influencers, we’re seeing children and young adults forming their sense of identity through external, often performative, role models rather than introspection or values-based guidance.
This is exactly why the conservative movement needs stronger voices speaking to suburban moms—moms who are watching their children digest these stories on TikTok and Instagram. Many of these women feel politically homeless. They don’t want to be labeled as “intolerant,” but they are also skeptical of a culture that encourages identity exploration before identity formation.
As conservatives, we don’t deny that people have complex, personal journeys—but we do believe that decisions as significant as gender transitioning should be met with counseling, maturity, wisdom, and guidance—not from a Disney movie.
Airyn De Niro’s story is part of a bigger cultural shift—one that conservatives must be willing to talk about, not just react to. We must offer a counter-narrative that promotes stability, personal responsibility, and discernment in a world increasingly driven by viral influence.