Magic Johnson went to social media on Sunday to dedicate a heartfelt tribute to his son EJ as he celebrated his 31st birthday. “Happy Birthday to my son, EJ,” he wrote. “I love your pure heart and creativity! Keep living your truth, it’s what I love about you most! Have a great day!”

Magic’s birthday tribute is the latest example of his ongoing love and support for EJ, who has served as an inspiration for many people since coming out as gay in 2013. The NBA Hall of Famer, who has continually raved about his son’s courage and kindness, continued to speak proudly when he sat down for an interview with People in March. “I love EJ’s career. I think that EJ is really taking charge of his career and making his own decisions, and he knows how and what he wants to get into,” he told the outlet. “I’m really proud of him because he’s getting so involved and letting his voice help other people too.”

While serving as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, EJ has also continued to build his acting career. The 31-year-old has starred on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, in addition to performing as the voice of Michael on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. 

As Blavity previously reported, Johnson spoke with Variety in 2022 to talk about the journey he has shared with his son. The basketball legend said he initially struggled to understand his son’s sexual orientation but then became more open-minded over time. “He changed me. He was so proud. This dude here is just so proud of who he is,” Johnson told Variety. “As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldn’t [judge EJ]. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. He actually helped me get there. Because he was so proud. Cookie said ‘Look in the mirror.’ I said, ‘You’re right.’ Because I’m proud of who I am. And he got it from me.”

EJ said it was difficult to tell his parents that he is gay. “[My parents] were the last people that I really had to talk to about it,” he told Variety. “It wasn’t new for me, but they had to really take that in and digest it. Especially my dad, because he was really the last person to talk to. I think it was just a lot for him to swallow in that conversation. A lot of just going back and forth. And he just was rattling off about things that weren’t particularly nice. But he’s not somebody who works great being cornered or surprised.”

Johnson and Cookie now praise their son nonstop. “Happy birthday, my @ejjohnson_! You are my great love! I pray that the Lord will have favor on you and bless you abundantly in your 31st year,” Cookie wrote on Instagram on Sunday. “Love you sweetheart, Mom.”

 

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Johnson and Cookie are especially proud of what their son is doing for LGBTQ people. “He’s saving a lot of people’s lives and people don’t even know, and I’m so proud of him,” Johnson told People.

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