Former *NSyncer Lance Bass has said
that he feared being outed while a member of the boy band starting in
the mid 90s for seven years.
The 34-year-old Bass acknowledged
rumors of his sexuality in a 2006 PEOPLE magazine cover story.
In an interview with gay activist David
Mixner, Bass said he feared being outed everyday.
“I have known I was gay for as long
as I can remember,” Bass
said. “The fear of being outed while in *NSYNC was huge. I
feared it everyday. I thought the guys would figure it out because
of the girls I wouldn't take home or my mannerisms. It was stressful
and it in turn made me shy and introverted. I never wanted to get
really close to anyone in fear of them finding out. I had many
acquaintances, but no true friends.”
“My greatest joy in coming out is
being able to live my life openly and honestly,” he added.