The Orlando-based group (from left: Fatone, Bass, Timberlake, Kirkpatrick and Chasez) made a splash in this '96 photo shoot. Photo by: RETNA
Lance Bass: 'I'm Gay'| Lance Bass, 'N Sync
Having pursued acting, producing and – most memorably – space flight after 'N Sync went on hiatus in 2002, Bass now is looking ahead to new beginnings. He is in a "very stable" relationship with model-actor-Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl, 32, and is developing an Odd Couple-inspired sitcom pilot with Fatone in which his character will be gay. Mostly, though, he's just enjoying the relief that comes with the culmination of a long and at times emotionally fraught journey. "The thing is, I'm not ashamed – that's the one thing I want to say," he explains 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."

When did you first know that you were gay?
I've known my whole life. In my head, I just knew I couldn't do it. You know, "That's just wrong, it's totally wrong." It's so strange because I always knew and dealt with it; it's nothing that was confusing to me. I told myself, "This is what you are. This is the way you were born." I definitely didn't ask to go through this, but I just knew it was something that I would have to hide my whole life.

Why come out now?
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.

Who was the first person you told?
I think a friend of mine might have just asked me. Very few people have the guts to come up to you and say, "Hey, are you gay?" I was 21. I always had relationships with girls until I was 22 or something like that, not too long ago.