You Have To Hear Magic Johnson’s Moving Response To His Son E.J. Coming Out

Magic Johnson is well-known for so many reasons—as a legendary basketball player, successful businessman, and beacon of hope to those who, like him, are living with HIV. He’s also a very wise parent, who recently joined Ellen DeGeneres on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and talked about the time that his son E.J. announced he was gay, which reportedly happened in 2013.

When asked by DeGeneres about this intimate moment, Johnson responded in the most amazing way. He said, “When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents.”

DeGeneres took it a step farther to ask what Johnson might recommend to other parents who are in a similar situation. To that, he responded, “I think it’s all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be, or what you want them to become. It’s all about loving them no matter who they are [or] what they decide to do.”

His answer shows extreme compassion and wisdom, and it honestly seems like great advice to other parents.

He went on to say, “You’ve got to support your child. [There are] so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. ’Cause if you don’t support them, who’s going to support them and love them?”

That’s also another very important thing to keep in mind. Children, no matter their sexual orientation, are going to be up against a lot, so it helps to have a loving, supportive family at home.

Johnson is married to Earlitha Kelly, also known as Cookie Johnson, and they have two children, E.J. and Elisa.

E.J. was a breakout star of “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills” and now he has his own show on E!, “EJNYC.” His sister frequently appears on the show, as well. The show’s first season has come to an end, but here’s hoping there will be a second!