Magic Johnson Posts Emotional Birthday Tribute to Gay Son for Supporting Him Coming Out
In a heartfelt gesture that resonated deeply with fans and the LGBTQ+ community, NBA legend Magic Johnson recently shared an emotional birthday tribute to his son, Earvin “EJ” Johnson III, celebrating not only his 32nd birthday but also his courage in living authentically as a gay man. The tribute, posted on social media platforms like Instagram and X, showcased Magic’s unwavering support for EJ, who has become a beacon of inspiration for many since publicly coming out in 2013. The former basketball star’s message highlighted EJ’s impact on others, emphasizing his role in helping young people embrace their true selves, a journey that has also profoundly shaped Magic’s own perspective on acceptance and love.
Magic Johnson, a household name known for his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers and his advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness since his 1991 diagnosis, has long been a figure of resilience and compassion. His relationship with EJ, however, has added another layer to his legacy—one of personal growth and familial devotion. In the birthday tribute, Magic shared a series of photos featuring EJ in his signature glamorous and androgynous outfits, from a stunning white pantsuit to a sleek black dress. “EJ is amazing and intelligent and has helped so many other people live life as their authentic selves, comfortable in their own skin,” Magic wrote. “Never forget I will always be here to support, guide, and love you because I’m your biggest fan!” The post, accompanied by images of father and son together at events like the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS, struck a chord with followers, who praised Magic for his unconditional love.
EJ’s coming out journey was not without its challenges, particularly for Magic, who initially struggled to reconcile his expectations with his son’s identity. In a 2022 interview with Variety, Magic candidly shared that growing up in a sports-centric environment led him to envision EJ following a similar path. “When you grow up in team sports, you’re thinking, ‘Is he gonna play sports?’” he recalled. EJ’s early affinity for dolls and dress-up was a departure from those expectations, prompting moments of tension. EJ himself noted that his parents were the last to learn of his sexuality, describing the conversation with his father as difficult. “It was just a lot for him to swallow,” EJ said, recounting Magic’s initial reaction, which included “hurtful” words and arbitrary rules like banning scarves in the house.
Yet, Magic’s journey toward acceptance was transformative. A pivotal moment came when he visited EJ at New York University, just two months after EJ left home. The embrace they shared—described by EJ as Magic “squeezing all the air out of me”—marked a turning point. “That’s when I knew, there’s nothing but love here,” EJ reflected. Magic credits EJ’s unapologetic pride in his identity for changing his perspective. “He changed me,” Magic admitted, acknowledging that his son’s courage forced him to confront his own biases. This evolution led Magic to leave the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, where he was raised, due to their views on homosexuality, further underscoring his commitment to supporting EJ.
The impact of EJ’s openness extends beyond his family. Since being outed by TMZ in 2013, EJ has used his platform as a television personality and fashion icon to inspire others. His appearances on reality shows like Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and EJNYC—the latter being one of the first to profile a queer person of color—have made him a role model for young LGBTQ+ individuals. Magic has expressed immense pride in EJ’s advocacy, noting in a 2023 People interview that his son is “saving a lot of people’s lives” by encouraging others to come out to their families. This ripple effect has deepened Magic’s admiration, as he sees EJ’s influence fostering greater acceptance worldwide.
Magic’s public support for EJ is also rooted in his broader advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. His 1991 HIV disclosure challenged stereotypes about the virus, often wrongly associated with the gay community, and his subsequent activism has saved countless lives. His birthday tribute to EJ, coupled with a follow-up post celebrating a family dinner with EJ, his wife Cookie, and daughter Elisa, reflects a family united in love. Cookie, who was immediately supportive when EJ came out, also shared a heartfelt Instagram post, calling EJ her “great love” and celebrating his fabulousness.
The overwhelming response to Magic’s tribute highlights its significance. Fans and advocates, including voices from the LGBTQ+ community, lauded his message as a powerful example of parental support. As EJ continues to shine through his fashion-forward style and advocacy, Magic’s words serve as a reminder of the transformative power of love and acceptance, not just within their family but for countless others navigating their own journeys of self-discovery.
