Magic Johnson gave a frank talk about his son, EJ, going public with his sexuality and the significance it has in the sporting world and the black community that’s wrestling with the acceptance of homosexual culture.
After EJ made headlines strolling the Sunset Strip with his boyfriend, Johnson told TMZ that it was a “moment for us as a family and an even greater moment for him.”
The Lakers legend explained that his son being gay was simply a matter of fact – he and his wife, Cookie, knew since EJ was only 12.
“We’ve known for a long time that my son EJ was gay,” Johnson said in the interview. “I told him, ‘Look, I’m gonna love you regardless, just let me know. Are you, or aren’t you?’ And finally he said, ‘Yes, I am.'”
Johnson recalled that “the talk” he had with his son was difficult because “he was so young.”
Johnson told his young son, “We are going to love no matter who you are, what you do. We just want you to love yourself and also make sure that you have all the information.”
A champion of safe sex practices since coming out as HIV-positive in 1992, Johnson said he “wanted to provide [EJ] with advice and guidance.”
Johnson recalled how EJ was nervous about his father’s reaction, in particular. “He really wanted to make sure I was okay. He wasn’t worried about his mom, he was worried about me.”
Johnson acknowledged the homophobic backlash found in both the sports and the African American communities.
“It bothers me that they’re discriminating against anybody who’s gay. I’ve been in the gay movement for a long time because of HIV and AIDS. I see young men who are black who couldn’t come out, who couldn’t tell their parents, their neighbors. So now, it’s my son.”
“This is the year 2013 – we should stop discriminating against people,” Johnson said.
The 20-year-old NYU student is aware of the buzz he’s made since earlier this week. EJ tweeted on Wednesday, “In the midst of all this media attention I would like to say that I am truly blessed to have parents that love and support me.”