Lance Bass Didn’t Come Out Earlier Because He Thought *NSYNC Would Be Over

Yesterday was a big day for the members of *NSYNC as they received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While each of the members spoke, it was Lance Bass's speech that stuck out most to us.

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In is his message, he opened up about why he didn't come out publicly during the *NSYNC days--and instead did in 2006 after the band's last official appearance as a group.

As ET reported, Lance's said:

"The other thing I want to say here today is something I've been trying to put into words maybe my whole life. Growing up in Mississippi and in a Southern Baptist church, in a town where everyone knows your business, I had a secret: I was gay," he said. "Yes guys, I'm gay! I am! And at the time, I thought that I would never be able to tell anyone because not only was I terrified of the lasting rejection--I was certain that that would happen --but more than that I didn't want to jeopardize the careers of these guys up here, much less the hundreds of amazing people who worked tirelessly to bring *NSYNC to the world."

He continued:

"I thought if I had come out, *NSYNC would be over. So I kept my secret. And our wildest dreams were coming true and we were so incredibly thankful -- and I still am. But so many nights onstage, I'd see so many young, gay fans singing their hearts out and I wanted so badly to let you know, I was you. I just didn't have the strength then," he said. "But I do today and so let me say loud and proud to all my LGBT brothers and sisters, who embrace me and show me the way to be who I am, thank you so much."

Watch his full message below, including the speeches from the other *NSYNC members, including Justin Timberlake.