Magic Johnson's son Earvin Johnson III, better known as EJ, has become something of a media sensation since effectively "coming out" last week and now the 20-year-old is hoping his story will inspire other young people. 
The young man and his basketball legend father warmed hearts when Johnson demonstrated unconditional support for his son after EJ was snapped by paparazzi holding hands with his boyfriend in West Hollywood. 
EJ, who has been out to his parents since age 13, tells publicist and talk show host Howard Bragman that he's surprised by all the media attention, but that he "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," he tells Bragman on the talk show Gwissues. "But this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience."
He goes on to say he hopes he can parlay his fifteen minutes of fame into a talk show or some other platform through which he can become "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." He adds, "not just homosexual issues but all kinds of issues. I definitely want to set a really good example."
EJ has a good example in his own family, who he describes as "super supportive."
"I'm really, really blessed to have the parents I do," he says, crediting their support with making him believe he can "conquer the world."
For now, EJ continues to study event management and design at New York University and make plans for a bright future. 
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(Photo: AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File)