November 7, 2011

20 Years After Magic Johnson Disclosed He Was HIV Positive

Monday, November 7, marks the 20th anniversary of Earvin "Magic" Johnson's public disclosure of his HIV-positive status, The New York Times reports. He also announced his retirement from professional basketball at that 1991 press conference. To commemorate the occasion, Johnson is holding a press conference today to announce his charitable foundation's new anti-HIV initiatives. After retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson has acted as an HIV/AIDS advocate, spokesperson and fund-raiser.

To read the Times article, click here.

Search: HIV, AIDS, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Magic Johnson Foundation

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Previous Comments:

Todd Christensen, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 2011-11-08 18:06:15
I am thrilled to read about everyone's positive mental attitude. Always fight and never quit! There will be a cure and we will win this battle. Eat right, exercise regularly, stay focused and keep a good mental attitude. We don't live with HIV. HIV lives with us and as far as I'm concerned I like to make it hard for HIV to keep up with ME. We are in control. Keep fighting!!! Never quit!!!

Vickie, Tampa, 2011-11-08 16:15:47
I found out I was positive the just over 21 years ago, I had been living with the virus for 5 years. His announcement back in 1991, that he was positive, gave me hope. He still gives me hope.

Patty Puline, Erie, PA, 2011-11-08 09:27:19
How noble of Magic to continue the fight, as we all have, for twenty years. As a public health educator and trainer for HIV for fifteen years, I have watched countless friends die to the ravages of this disease. When public figures iike Magic take part in prevention efforts, it is phenomenal. People pay attention more, they listen longer, and each one teach one becomes a reality. We do this because we care, because we have a voice, because we have friends still dying, because we are the hope.

Pat Johnson, Austin, Texas, 2011-11-08 08:40:46
There are many more of us, who have lived with HIV/AIDS longer that Magic Johnson. Myself, I lives it for 29 years, by the grace of god, access the treatment and medication, has the difference.

Julio, Guatemala, Central Amerca, 2011-11-08 07:41:23
It is nice to know this famous basketball player is still alive. That gives me hope and makes me think this is not the end. That we can live productive lives after all. I became HIV positive in 1993, in september I was an 18 year old HIV positive newborn. And I feel better than ever... than ever before, and my life is still productive and full of new experiences every day.