Lance Bass speaks at the 2016 Out & Equal Workplace Summit in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 6, 2016. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone and JC Chasez celebrated a milestone together as they accepted NSYNC’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this week.

While accepting the star Bass, 38, explained how significant growing up in NSYNC was for him.

“I want to thank these four guys right here. We’re brothers. We’re family,” Bass begins. “Out of all this, the music, the tours, the love from the fans, it’s my brotherhood I’m most thankful for. I was a kid when we came together and I’m a man today because of the family I have and you. I love you guys.”

He also addressed an issue he struggled with but kept a secret during the height of NSYNC’s popularity.

“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,” Bass says.

“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,” Bass continued.

Bass went on to share that he wasn’t able to reveal that part of himself to his fans at that time but now wants to reach out to the LGBT community.

“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,” Bass says. “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.”

Bass came out as gay in 2006. He and his partner Michael Turchin married in 2014.

It’s official!! You can finally walk all over us on Hollywood Blvd! Curb your dogs please ?. (Swipe away)

A post shared by Lance Bass (@lancebass) on Apr 30, 2018 at 4:44pm PDT

Well that was fun!!!! This was the calm before the storm. Thank you to my four brothers for this amazing gift. Also, @theellenshow and @carsondaly for your beautiful speeches! And the fans! Holy! Seeing all your faces has made me so happy. Love to all! pic.twitter.com/I3gymXspKk

— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) April 30, 2018