Lance Bass’s autobiography, “Out of Sync,” is in stores now. (Jordan Traxler)
Around 6:40 p.m. on Sunday I, along with a few fellow members of the media, was patiently awaiting my interview with Lance Bass. Suddenly, piercing shrieks erupted from the seemingly endless line of crazed fans. He had arrived.
For the past week, Bass has been traveling across the country promoting his autobiography “Out of Sync.” The “tell-all” book goes though Bass’ tribulations and shows his ability to persevere, even when faced with an uncertain future.
From growing up in rural Louisiana to the “I’m Gay” cover of People Magazine, 28-year-old Bass gives us a taste of his personal life and tears down the pop-star façade, exposing his fans to a young man who’s just like everybody else.
During my abbreviated interview, I had the chance to inquire about some of the many sensitive issues discussed in his book, along with some others that were not. With a cheerful smile, Bass answered each one of my questions in great detail.
He was both honest and candid. From his responses, it’s apparent Lance is one of those people who’s genuinely sincere and surprisingly optimistic, despite flak from brutal critics.
I first asked about his coming-out to his ex-girlfriend, Danielle Fishel (Topanga from “Boy Meets World”).
“Everyone in my close circle of friends knew…I felt like I needed to be honest with her…it was so nonchalant,” Bass said. Clearly Bass and Fishel have a dynamic friendship, to say the least.
On the subject of coming out, he was somewhat disturbed that his mother had to find out about his sexuality from the Internet.
“I was just impressed that my mom knew what Google was, so when she Googled my boyfriend and found out all about him, it just kinda clicked in her head.”
He then told me about his cardiac arrhythmia and how he was obligated to get surgery if he even wanted to be considered for the Russian cosmonauts team.
Even though the operation didn’t convince his sponsors it was safe for him to go into outer space, the doctors “did find something that could have been wrong – that could have hurt [his] heart,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason.” Bass is always looking for the silver lining.
We also chitchatted about his role as Corny Collins in the hit Broadway musical “Hairspray.” He told me that it’s something he has always wanted to do, and now that he has joined his slew of Broadway friends, he couldn’t be happier. If you’re going to be in NYC before January, make sure to see Lance in person; according to the grapevine, he is one of the best Corny Collins to date.
After some dialogue regarding his former boyfriend, Jesse Tannenbaum, and some of his other flings, I finally asked him the question: “All the girls and sexually confused boys want to know, are you single?” He said yes!
