Magic Johnson and His Advocacy for the HIV+ Community

The NBA All-Star Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a retired American professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, Johnson played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 13 seasons and was a key member of the “Showtime” Lakers. With five NBA championships under his belt, an olympic  gold medal, three MVP awards and 12 NBA All-Star awards you can’t help but say “wow.” Magic’s career was cut short when in 1991, he announced he was HIV positive.

Being open about his diagnosis was not easy, as it led to public ridicule from NBA watchers because of the stigma around HIV. Furthermore, it led to discrimination from his fellow players as some players openly showed their disapproval of playing with Magic. 

Being HIV+ and Winning a Gold Medal

In 1991 Magic retired from playing in the NBA because of his diagnosis. One might think that having an ‘incurable’ disease like HIV would prevent someone from achieving athletic accomplishments. Johnson proved that idea wrong because he was cleared to play and represent the United States of America in the biggest stage of them all, the Olympics. Barcelona 1992, the stage of the olympics was where HIV-positive Magic Johnson, played with everything he had and won a gold medal. Magic claims that him playing during that game and winning made him realize that he can live a long life while being HIV positive. The comforting realization that things will be okay was crystallized during that game. Magic’s participation and victory during those games proved to people living with HIV that they can still accomplish their dreams and ambitions

De-Stigmatizing HIV

Magic has used his influence and power to shed light on the disease that is HIV. As an openly heterosexual man he myth-busted to the mass media the common misconception that only LGBTQ+ identifying people can get the disease. Often the majority of people would treat HIV in a dismissive manner because it was a disease that only infected LGBTQ+ people. The danger in this form of belief is that it takes away people’s attention and concern for HIV. Without those two things there will not be enough research on cures and development of medicine to help those living with HIV. 

Philanthropy for HIV

The former NBA star founded the Magic Johnson Foundation, which aims to provide HIV/AIDS education and prevention resources, as well as other health and education initiatives, to underserved communities.  Magic has also been a spokesperson for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Black AIDS Institute. He has also worked to combat HIV/AIDS stigma, speaking out about the need for compassion and understanding for those living with the disease.

Magic’s story goes to show that people living with HIV have shown incredible resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity, and have demonstrated that it is possible to lead full and fulfilling lives despite the challenges of the disease.

Check out our series Living Y Ready for more stories on the HIV+ community is breaking barriers.