During that same 2016 episode of "EJNYC," the reality star told his therapist that the cover story made him consider transitioning. 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). "The surgery was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me," the star said. Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. Theres so many factors. 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. Both she and her . After Magic Johnson's scuffle with Ron Boone in Episode 4 of 'Winning Time', you might be wondering what happened in the Lakers' locker room. Cookie said, Look in the mirror. I said, Youre right. Because Im proud of who I am. When Magic Johnson's iconic basketball career was interrupted by a stunning HIV diagnosis three decades ago, the newlywed NBA legend had no idea how much time he had to live or how the virus. The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. The U.S. would go on to capture the gold medal in overwhelming fashion, and Magics beaming smile might otherwise have been a symbol of his triumph. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. Get viral NBA graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter. According to E! "It's almost like they're attacking me for being me and so to that I can only say, 'Well, I can only be myself, so I don't know really what you want me to do,'" he said. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. Earvin went to Everett High School in Michigan for the duration of his high school experience, despite their basketball team . Heavy.com's Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson details 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know about EJ Johnson, son of NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson. New York, Crediting dad Magic Johnson for giving him the following advice, EJ recalled, "Make sure you check your surroundings and be you, do you, but make sure you're not putting yourself in dangerous situations where you could get hurt.". Rather than deny the existence of his boyfriend, the then-20-year-old star rolled with the punches. Please respect my privacy and my process., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on May 4, 2016 at 12:39pm PDT. Magic, 63, says his son, whom he shares with his wife Cookie Johnson, "is so beloved all over the world" as a television personality and as an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. Magic Johnson, whom they drafted in 1979, was a vital cog in their championship runs. Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations earlier this month, and now, according to reports, it's because management sent emails criticizing . A five-time world champion, three-time league and Finals MVP and a man who played in the Finals nine of his 12 professional seasons, or for 75 percent of his career. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? EJ Johnson was one of the stars of the reality series Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, but he's probably best known for being the son of basketball superstar Magi. Magic Johnson death news is trending on the Internet. News in 2018 that he had no plans to transition. 2. ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. "I was told not to say anything about him kissing me, but he did. 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. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing Magic Johnson: 20 years on from an All-Star game that changed basketball Read more He is less coy, though, when describing the reason he sought wealth, and was not content with the riches of. I like my body.. ", Elisa ultimately decided not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. We're gonna be fine. 01 Mar 2023 15:17:10 This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. Updated I get these every night, every game, he said. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. However, neither of them confirmed or denied the relationship. "It was a little tough", said Cookie during the interview. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, A Warner Bros. The son of an autoworker, Johnson earned his nickname "Magic" in high school for his creative and entertaining ballhandling. Magic Johnson was invited to participate as a member of the Western Conference during the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the MVP after scoring 25 points and adding nine assists in a feel-good. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. EJ has appeared in multiple TV shows such as Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. His father took a while to come around to the news. } He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. According to Celebrity Net Worth, EJ Johnson has an estimated $5 million net worth. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. 2022 Galvanized Media. On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. "It wasn't how he got it that was important to me. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. His star hasnt dimmed as he has become a celebrity in his own right over the past few years, and sharing his own story about coming out to his parents as a gay Black man. On this Nov. 7, legendary Lakers point guard Earvin Magic Johnson stunned the entire world when he announced that he had contracted the HIV virus, and would be retiring from NBA immediately. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. And I will," Johnson wrote. EJ told the New York Times in 2017 that he learned about his fathers diagnosis while doing a book report and finding a book about his father in the library while in elementary school. "I've always loved being in front of people, being on stage and performing. In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. NY 10036. ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! Its a totally new mindset Im completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle. "Scarves were really big for men's fashion," EJ explained. EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. Since his fathers relationship with HIV, as a spokesperson and being positive himself, EJ was introduced to gay culture from a very early age, so he has longtime been related to the activism and discrimination that surrounds it. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. I feel like this is the body Im supposed to be in. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. Cookie revealed that she noticed her son was different since he was a little boy, however, she thought he would grow out of it, but it happened the opposite. The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. He previously served as the Executive Vice President of his dads company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. Approximately 36,000 people are diagnosed with HIV each year, and more than 15,000 die annually, although these deaths can be from any cause, not necessarily from an AIDS-related illness. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. The longtime Inside the NBA host said via Twitter, We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael., A post shared by Ernie Johnson (@ernie.johnson). As well as drugs to help manage HIV we now have drugs such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, that can prevent transmission in the first place. I feel like this is the body that Im supposed to be in, he said in a 2019 interview. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. having their privacy invaded by paparazzi, some were surprised to learn that he is gay, Magics wife made sure to let him know that his reaction wasnt OK, has been open about his sexuality and perspective on gender. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { However, a 2017 article in Urbo states that Johnson graduated from the prestigious school with a degree in event management and design with an interest in fashion, journalism, and media. Turner Sports, in a statement posted on social media, said: We are heartbroken over the passing of Cheryl and Ernies beloved son, Michael, a true hero who uplifted and brought joy to everyone he touched. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . "Yeah, racism, not so much. Watch! xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); It is precisely these kinds of drugs that have helped Magic Johnson manage the disease and have made HIV a chronic health condition rather than a fatal disease. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. These "long-term nonprogressors" or "elite controllers," estimated at as few as one in 500, have lived for decades with HIV, despite not being on antiretroviral therapy. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. In. Legit.ng recently published Emily Faye Miller's biography. Before the Los Angeles Lakers' final game of the 2018-19 season, Magic Johnson stunned the team and the NBA world at large by stepping down as the team's president of basketball operations.. They have a son, EJ, and in 1995, they adopted a girl, Elisa. Although Johnson reacted at first, he talked to his son the next day and at that moment, they knew everything was going to be fine between them. When the former Rich Kids of Beverly Hills cast member came out to his father, the longtime NBA legend did not take it so well. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. Randy Chrisley Is Todd Chrisley's Brother Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer in 2014, Johnny Depp's Weight Gain & Changes in Appearance over the Years, 'Whos the Boss? https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. He is known for wearing both men's and womens clothing and putting his own spin on it. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. "There are still people alive and kicking and doing very well 20 and 30 years after infection.". Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. I'm so blessed to help continue the conversation about our community and what it means to truly live your truth. EJ doesnt plan to transition either. Next, meet the MVP in Michael Jordans life, his wife Yvette Prieto. The HIV-AIDS epidemic began in earnest in the 1980s, but there was still very little knowledge as to how the disease was contracted or what it meant in terms of contagiousness and long-term impact. News, The "#RichKids of Beverly Hills" alum opens up about the type of men he's attracted to, his father Magic Johnson and his late friend Lyric McHenry. But 30 years later, the NBA legend is still pursuing his passions, with Cookie by his side. We're very proud of him." Today. PerBET, the show was "not completely ratchet with hair pulling and fighting," but let's be honest, it wasn't exactly "Masterpiece Theater," either. Of course, the revelation about Magic Johnson's diagnosis said to be the result of an extra-marital affair led to a significant period of turmoil for the family. I dont feel the need to transition. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. Upon infection with HIV, a person's immune system kills off nearly all of the virus and infected cells. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. In fact, it was made out of the same material, and the styling was near-identical. However, it was not a shock to his parents. "I always say that if you feel like you're not in the right body, then by all means get to where you want to be. In 1977, he met Earlitha . var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=3f04818d-0c52-47fe-9dbf-229a559738e6&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8719156970272511032'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. "You mean he just let his son in law run everything Dad?" "Yes because he was Jewish." "Are Jews magic Dad?" "Sure are," I say. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. The date was November 7, 1991. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". 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. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, sports, gaming and more with his friend Mike Dupree. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. is amazing, he added. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . 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. To see what Magic Johnson's three children are up to and to learn more about the tight-knit Johnson family, read on. The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. For Magic Johnson, supporting his gay son Earvin Johnson III, known as "E.J.," wasn't even a question. "The key moment was when Cookie took the test and the results came back that her and the baby was fine [sic]," the retired NBA star told Gayle King. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. xhr.send(payload); In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. According to research and estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in new tab), as of 2019 about 1.18 million Americans have HIV, and 13 percent of them are undiagnosed. EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E! An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. 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. Interestingly enough, EJ spilled all the inside tea when he appeared on Jada Pinkett Smiths Red Table Talk. It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. "There is nothing unique about Magic," Spencer Lieb, senior epidemiologist (opens in new tab) and HIV/AIDS research coordinator for the Florida Consortium for HIV/AIDS Research told Live Science. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. See Magic Johnson's Three Children All Grown Up Today, See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star, See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up, eyewear was designed by the youngest Johnson, See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star, See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. EJ ultimately decided to come out before beginning college at New York University (NYU). Michael Johnson, the son of Turner Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson, has died, his father announced Friday night. Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. Nov 6, 2021. While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. We've come across little random tidbits maybe, obviously when I'm in different parts of the world and other countries, things are different," he claimed. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. All Rights Reserved. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson's annual salary was around $24 million, an amount . Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. Magic Johnson and EJ have a great relationship, but theyre also open about the work it took to get there when EJ first came out. (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". Hes a businessman and podcaster. Would love your thoughts, please comment. And we love him. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. It was sad. Celebrities often grow accustomed to having their privacy invaded by paparazzi. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. Magic Johnson was invited to participate as a member of the Western Conference during the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the MVP after scoring 25 points and adding nine assists in a feel-good performance. EJ told Jada Pinkett Smith in an April 2019 episode of Red Table Talk that dating was hard because of his famous father. "I'm ready to go. His approach acted as a "public-health catalyst," wrote Alexander Cardazzi, Joshua C. Martin, and Zachary Rodriguez in their 2021 paper "Information Avoidance and Celebrity Exposure: The Effect of "Magic" Johnson on AIDS Diagnoses and Mortality in the U.S. (opens in new tab)" for West Virginia University, as they attempted to quantify the impact his announcement in 1991 had on heterosexual men getting tested for HIV. Because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. Take on my day. EJ said the reaction to his sexuality varied from positive to extremely harsh, but it doesn't look like he gave his haters too much attention. In the 1988 NBA Finals between the Pistons and the Lakers, Thomas and Johnson. Yet through all the ups and downs, he remains the same bubbly person he has always been. By knowing and enjoying his privileged life, he has been part of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, for four seasons, and then on his own spinoff called EJNYC, which lasted only 6 episodes. 1:59 Coming for b*tches 5:48 Unlikely friends 7:24 Magic Johnsons Son 9:48 The ho phase 11:06 Transitioning? 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. Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. I really think its important that you not listen to so many fads; you really need to find what works for you, EJ told Page Six in September 2015. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. I love the attention. "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). who hasnt thought about it.. 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. It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. Spencer Lieb is a HIV/AIDS research coordinator with The AIDS Institute. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. All Rights Reserved. "I told her how I was feeling and she obviously told me that she had known and always would love me anyway," he said during an interview with "Gwissues" host Howard Bragman (via ESPN). "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". ESPN and Fox aired primetime tributes to Johnson's son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33 after a lifelong struggle with muscular dystrophy. It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. Maybe you've seen him on his E! Shortly thereafter, EJ did his first coming out interview on Gwissues with Howard Bragman. His boardroom pitch wasn't enough to win Schultz over, so he . Presenting your official soundtrack to falling (or staying) in love. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances a person living with HIV can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. Johnson remembered the devastation of his diagnosis, and said that the most difficult part was having to tell his wife Cookie -- who he had just married, and whom had just become pregnant with their child. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . } ); READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. Former basketball star Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot back in 1991, one year before the longtime Los Angeles Lakers player retired from the NBA. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. But perhaps the most resonating phrase from Johnson that day is this: Im going to go on, Im going to beat it, and and Im going to have fun.. Did you encounter any technical issues? COMING OUT . ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths.