5. Lance Bass: The NSYNC Heartthrob Who Went Public in 2006

Lance Bass, best known as a member of NSYNC, came out as gay in 2006, after years of speculation. While he had been in the public eye as a member of one of the world’s biggest boy bands, Bass was never fully open about his sexuality. His coming out was a significant moment for both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community.