E.J. Johnson gave his first interview since coming out a few weeks ago where he reflected on the "outing", revealed his thoughts about attacks on his character and how he hopes to inspire others through his experience. Watch the interview inside....
After his "outing" made headlines around the world, E.J. Johnson (who has the full support of his famous father, mogul Magic Johnson) spoke to "Gwissues" host and interviewer Howard Bragman (who's also his publicist) about what life has been life since he was first "outed" and how he hope to use this experience to help others. He also addressed the barrage of criticism that was directed his way via social media and how he was able to lean on his family for support. Here are the highlights:
On being "outed":
"For me, it was really surprising because I didn't think it was gonna be that big of a deal. I had been out to my friends and my family for at least five years. It was almost as if I was coming out of the closet again so like reliving the experience has just been both exciting and interesting rather because I've been through it but to have the media involved is just different but I'm reveling in it.
"I always wanted to come into the spotlight. I always had dreams and plans of doing my own thing and creating my own image, so it came a little sooner than I thought it would but this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience."
On social media attacks:
They’d say nasty things about me and what I’m doing … 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.’”
On receiving support from his family:
"I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do. My parents have always been super supportive. My sister and I have always been really close and she's been really supportive as with my brother. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess."
On coming out to his parents, Magic and Cookie:
"I told her how I was feeling and she obviously told me that she had known and always would love me anyway. The same thing happened with my dad like a year or so later. Everyone has to get used to it. No parent is prepared 100 percent and fully for something like that. We all had to work and move forward."
On being a role model:
"I definitely want to set a really good example....I would love to have a talk show someday and just be another voice for [my] generation and, you know, be the voice for young gay people who need someone to be on TV or wherever else to talk to them, and talk about all kinds of issues that all of us face. Not just homosexual issues, but all kinds of issues."
Watch the interview here: