Magic Johnson Praises Son EJ: “I’m Beyond Honored to Witness His Strength and Boldness in Living Authentically”
LOS ANGELES — August 2, 2025
NBA legend and cultural icon Magic Johnson took a rare and deeply emotional step into the spotlight this weekend—not for a championship celebration or a business venture, but for a heartfelt tribute to his son, EJ Johnson, during a private family event that has since drawn national attention.
In front of an intimate crowd of family, friends, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Magic delivered a speech that quickly went viral online. With tears in his eyes and pride in his voice, he turned toward EJ and said:
> “I’m beyond honored to witness your strength, your boldness, and your truth. As your father, as a Black man, and as someone the world watched closely—you taught me what real courage looks like.”
EJ, now 32, has spent the past decade building a name of his own in fashion, television, and advocacy. Openly gay and unapologetically glamorous, he has become a symbol of self-love and representation, especially for young LGBTQ+ people of color navigating identity in the spotlight.
From Court to Compassion
For Magic Johnson, whose life once revolved around championships and MVP trophies, the evolution from global sports icon to proud father of a gender-nonconforming trailblazer has been transformational.
“When EJ came out,” Magic said during his speech, “I had to face truths I never thought I’d confront as a father. And I thank God every day I did. Because I didn’t just get a son—I got a teacher, a light, and a fearless example for the world.”
Their journey hasn’t always been seamless. Magic has previously spoken about the challenges of understanding and adjusting as a parent, particularly under the glare of fame and expectations tied to masculinity in the sports world.
But over time, that understanding deepened—and so did their bond.
The Celebration
The event—hosted at a private estate in Beverly Hills—was titled “Living Out Loud”, an annual gathering EJ has curated for LGBTQ+ creatives, entrepreneurs, and allies. This year’s theme: Authenticity Is Power.
Magic’s speech wasn’t on the original program, but as he watched EJ take the stage in a sparkling silver blazer and heels, he rose to speak from the heart.
Photos from the evening show father and son embracing under soft lights, surrounded by standing ovations and emotional applause.
Voices of Support
Dwyane Wade, whose daughter Zaya has also been a vocal advocate for transgender youth, shared Magic’s speech on social media with the caption:
> “LEGACY IS LOVE. Real ones know. 💜🙏🏾”
Laverne Cox, Billy Porter, and Gabrielle Union were among those in attendance who later posted messages praising both Magic and EJ for their vulnerability and impact.
Legacy Redefined
As Magic Johnson stood beside his son that night, the message was clear: legacy isn’t just about rings or records—it’s about love, growth, and standing by your truth, no matter who’s watching.
> “EJ,” Magic concluded, “you’re my greatest win
#MagicJohnson #EJJohnson #LegacyOfLove #LGBTQ+ #FactualFiction #LivingOutLoud 🌟🏀❤️
