Thanks to his early HIV positive diagnosis, Los Angeles Lakers legend and new Los Angeles Dodgers owner Magic Johnson has been linked to the gay community for decades. At first, it was mostly as an HIV advocate, but over the years, he’s spoken out for a number of gay rights issues that have nothing to do with his diagnosis. Recently, he campaigned against Proposition 8, joining many other celebs who are pro gay marrage and this week, he took perhaps his most heartfelt and honest step of all by publically supporting his son who came out for the first time.
Earvin Johnson III, better known to his friends and loved ones as EJ, is a twenty-year-old student at NYU. He was spotted out and about holding hands with his boyfriend on the Sunset Strip over the weekend, and he couldn’t have been happier. His father, Magic, later released a statement to TMZ saying he and his wife are very supportive.
"Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. We're very proud of him."
Sometimes it’s not about making some grand gesture. Sometimes it’s more about just being there with love and affection to ride the highs and lows of life. Ideally, this is how all coming outs will be treated in the future. We’ll see someone romantically involved with someone of the same sex and mentally think, “Huh. That’s an interesting fact.” and then immediately move on with our lives without any real change in the way we think about the person.
Pop Blend’s sincerest congratulations go out to the entire Johnson family for kicking ass at life. Here’s to hoping they remain as close to each other as they are now.
