Charles Barkley is receiving wide praise after speaking out against homophobia during an event at Harveys Lake Tahoe, a casino hotel on the Nevada border. Barkley took the mic at the event, standing next to a pianist on stage, and unapologetically expressed his thoughts to the crowd, which responded with applause.

“If you’re gay or transgender, I love you. And if anyone gives you any s**t, tell em Charles says f**k you!” the basketball legend said.