Johnson was pivotal in helping to lessen that stigma, as he not only managed to find a way forward and live with the disease, but also returned to playing basketball. Charles Johnson's Thoughts & Adventures on Twitter: "I enjoyed the Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Magic Johnson recounts the ugly end of his Lakers presidency Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. "When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents," the former basketball player said. Johnson, 37, and his wife of 13 years, Chastity, were . Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. I also said that I was going to become a spokesperson in the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus and an advocate for practicing safe sex by using condoms. Yet it was his charisma, especially at his precocious age, that floored. Magic Johnson's Son E.J. Comes Out as Gay - PEOPLE.com These and other HIV-fighting drugs are "hideously expensive," said Lieb. We're very proud of him." However, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs and management of the condition, the 63-year-old continues to thrive in his roles as a sports analyst, businessman and HIV activist more than 30 years later. And we love him. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. Did you encounter any technical issues? ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. Former New York Yankees All Star Alex Rodriguez, CBS This Mornings Gayle King, NBA on TNTs Kenny The Jet Smith, ESPN First Takes Stephen A. Smith, NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas and former New York Knicks coach, Mike Woodson were some of the notables in attendance at the party. What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder of progressive muscular weakness, which typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. xhr.send(payload); I enjoyed the Trump presidency more than I should have but sense that I'll be paying the bill by having to explain to the kiddos what really happened. Magic Johnson's Son, EJ, Opens Up About His Gender Identity - EBONY It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . ". Magic Johnson: the NBA superstar who smashed HIV stigma - the Guardian Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. Researchers continue to study long-term nonprogressors to get insights on HIV resistance that could help the 37.7 million people battling the virus, the current estimate of UNAIDS according to HIV.gov (opens in new tab). RELATED:See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. How Magic Johnson Messed Up When His Son Came Out In 2013, a TMZ photographer captured a photo of EJ Johnson walking on the Sunset Strip while holding hands with his boyfriend at the time. The NBA tweeted that the league mourns the passing of Michael Johnson., Michael was admired by so many around the league for his remarkable courage and perseverance. In an interview with The New York Times, he admitted that his mom suspected he may have been gay and tried to initiate the conversation in the past. On Nov. 8, 1991, the day after the Los Angeles Lakers star announced he had been diagnosed with the virus, Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times (opens in new tab) wrote: "Many people [diagnosed] with HIV live many years with few serious effects on their health. Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 and came out publicly in 2013 after a report by TMZ published pictures of him holding hands with a male friend. Magic Johnson held a press conference to formally announce the retirement, an occasion so monumental that former NBA Commissioner David Stern would be seen sitting just to Johnsons left. Magic Johnson has three children. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . Here is what you need to know about EJ Johnson: A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 5, 2018 at 2:48pm PDT, EJs mother was two months pregnant with her son when Magic Johnson revealed to the world that he had tested positive for HIV in November 1991. EJ dropped the bombshell during an episode of "EJNYC," where he claimed that Elisa's then-boyfriend, French model Anthony Alcaraz, was the same guy he had previously kissed in a club. Magic Johnson, byname of Earvin Johnson, Jr., (born August 14, 1959, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.), American basketball player who led the National Basketball Association (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Magic Johnson Says He's 'So Proud' of Son EJ: 'He's Saving a Lot of Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. The rise of the Los Angeles Lakers from years of a title drought was helped in big part by them drafting Earvin "Magic" Johnson in 1979. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. Bernadette Giacomazzo Dec 17, 2021. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. She said, That was a very hard thing for me. Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. Its still the toughest thing Ive ever had to do in my life: @MagicJohnson says that he hated having to tell his wife about his HIV diagnosis. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. I Image: Getty Images. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. Magic Johnson's Parents Actually Hated His Nickname - Bustle ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Magic Johnson On Gay Son EJ: 'I Was Just Waiting On Him To Tell Me However, Magic revealed in that press conference that his biggest fan was less than thrilled. Immediately after learning of the talented 63-year-old basketball player's passing, hundreds of fans began posting condolence notes on the Facebook page. show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired from 2014 to 2016. What You Don't Know About Magic Johnson's Son EJ, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair, reality series followed the eponymous star, Louis Vuitton using Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, in its women's line ads. In a 2022 interview with Variety, EJ spoke about how his father initially struggled to accept his identity. During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. Earvin EJ Johnson III is the son of NBA Hall of famer and Los Angeles Lakers legendary point guard, Earvin Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA Champion, entrepreneur and Earletha Cookie Johnson, a notable Hollywood actress and successful entrepreneur. They Call Me Magic - Apple TV+ Press Milan is currently in a relationship withtrans reality star and beauty influencer Lauryn England. "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. EJ Johnson, Magic Johnsons Son: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. In 2018, EJ Johnson and his mom Cookie Johnson made an appearance on Willow and Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk, where Cookie revealed that when EJ came out to his parents, it was a little tough because Magic Johnson wasnt supportive at first. Unlike other former professional athletes' kids who have followed in their footsteps onto the court or field, Magic Johnson's children have all forged their own paths. However, it was not a shock to his parents. How Magic Johnson Fought the AIDS Epidemic | The New Yorker "We are so proud of her and I love that she's doing what she always wanted to do, work in the fashion industry," Magic wrote in an Instagram post. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. It is not known if Johnson is among this "scarce breed," as Lieb called them, but more than likely "without medications, he'd be progressing.". if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. So, if you're wondering what exactly happened back then, we've got you covered. Find out why exercise can be important to mental health too. Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." Admit it, these tracks are so good, you actually thought they were originals. To these days, the whole family supports EJ in every way, as the close and lovely family they all are. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magics life. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. Magic Johnson's Oldest Son Andre Worked for His Company & Co-hosts a The key weapon in the beginning was a regimen of three or four antiretroviral drugs, collectively known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART. If one thing's for sure, it's that he's got all the makings of a star, but he's forging his own path away from his father's fame. On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . (Image credit: Focus On Sport / Contributor via Getty Images), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021, How mental health affects physical health, Ancient Roman 'spike defenses' made famous by Julius Caesar found in Germany, Watch footage of 1,000 baleen whales in record-breaking feeding frenzy in Antarctica, New Hubble footage shows exact moment a NASA spacecraft slammed into an asteroid 7 million miles from Earth, Cosmic rays reveal 'hidden' 30-foot-long corridor in Egypt's Great Pyramid, Upside-down anglerfish and other alien oddities spotted in one of the world's deepest trenches, Lab-grown minibrains will be used as 'biological hardware' to create new biocomputers, scientists propose, Insect that flings pee with a butt catapult is 1st known example of 'superpropulsion' in nature, Unknown lineage of ice age Europeans discovered in genetic study, Otherworldly 'fairy lantern' plant, presumed extinct, emerges from forest floor in Japan, The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universe, Subscribe today and save an extra 5% with checkout code 'LOVE5', Engaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviews, Issues delivered straight to your door or device, "Magic Johnsons Career Ended by HIV-Positive Test" by Mark Heisler, "Facts About HIV: Life Expectancy and Long-Term Outlook", "New HIV Diagnoses and People with Diagnosed HIV in the US and Dependent Areas by Area of Residence, 2019", "Magic Johnson: the NBA superstar who smashed HIV stigma then built a huge fortune" by Oliver Laughland, "HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Costs in the United States, 2012-2018".