'N Sync Hottie Reveals He's Gay

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

It's front-page news-at least as far as PEOPLE Magazine is concerned. The cover of the upcoming edition of the magazine (on newsstands Friday) loudly declares that former 'N Sync heartthrob Lance Bass is gay.

"I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys' careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said (that I was gay), it would overpower everything," Bass tells the magazine.

The 27-year-old Mississippi-bred, Southern Baptist speaks openly with a PEOPLE magazine reporter in an interview that addresses his sexual orientation. Bass said he has kept his personal life private for years in an effort to protect the image projected by the popular boy band he was a part of for nearly a decade.

"I didn't know: Could that be the end of 'N Sync? So I had that weight on me of like, 'Wow, if I ever let anyone know, it's bad.' So I just never did," he says.

So, why did Bass decide now was the right time to share such a private matter?

"The main reason I wanted to speak my mind was that (the rumors) really were starting to affect my daily life. Now it feels like it's on my terms. I'm at peace with my family, my friends, myself and God so there's really nothing else that I worry about," he tells PEOPLE.

What's more, now that Bass has revealed to the world that he is gay and in a "very stable" relationship with "Amazing Race" winner Reichen Lehmkul he says he couldn't be happier. Bass says his newfound happiness is coupled with relief that he can now live his life void of rumors regarding his sexuality.

"The thing is, I'm not ashamed - that's the one thing I want to say," Bass says of his decision to come out. "I don't think it's wrong, I'm not devastated going through this. I'm more liberated and happy than I've been my whole life. I'm just happy."

Bass hopes that level of contentment will aid him as he pursues a new chapter in his life. With singing under his belt, Bass is now working on a new project. He says he is teaming up with his former band mate Joey Fatone to develop an "Odd Couple" inspired sitcom pilot in which he will play a gay character.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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