*NSYNC was finally given their long due star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
All five guys had amazing things to say about their time in the band, but Lance Bass undoubtedly gave the most powerful speech.
In the speech he opened up about his struggle at their peak with the secret that he was gay. Read the heartfelt speech below:
"I want to thank these four guys right here: Joey [Fatone], JC [Chasez], Chris [Kirkpatrick], Justin [Timberlake]. Weâre brothers. Weâre family," he began. "Out of all this, the music, the tours, the love from the fans, itâs my brotherhood Iâm most thankful for. I was a kid when we came together and Iâm a man today because of the family I have and you. I love you guys."
"The other thing I want to say here today is something Iâve 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. âYes guys, Iâm 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 didnât 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."
"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, Iâd see so many young, gay fans singing their hearts out and I wanted so badly to let you know, I was you. I just didnât have the strength then," he continued. "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."
"A star on this boulevard is more than just an honor, itâs a lasting reminder of all the artists from all the colors of the rainbow that your voice matters. And I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of that legacy is some small way," he said. âThank you Mom, Dad, everyone, my gorgeous husband, Michael [Turchin], my in-laws, thank you so much for being here. I love you guys!"
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