‘N Sync Band Member Lance Bass: I’m Gay

Bass has also made headlines for undertaking astronaut training and failing to raise money for a trip into space.

Photo courtesy: spacefacts.de

(NEW YORK) - 'N Sync band member Lance Bass, says he's gay and in a "very stable" relationship with 32-year-old actor Reichen Lehmkuhl, winner of season four of CBS' "Amazing Race."

Bass, formed 'N Sync with Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick, told People magazine that he didn't disclose his sexuality earlier because he didn't want to affect the group's huge popularity.

"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 told the magazine.

'N Sync is known for a string of hits including "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me." The band went on hiatus in 2002.

Bass and Fatone, 29, are developing a sitcom pilot inspired by the screwball comedy "The Odd Couple," in which his character will be gay.