Former 'N SYNC singer LANCE BASS is set to speak out about the discrimination faced by America's gay and lesbian community in a public service announcement due to be aired on Friday (18Apr08).
The star made the announcement for America's Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network to promote the National Day of Silence on 25 April (08), when students throughout the U.S. will take a vow of silence to protest bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools.
And Bass, who 'came out' as a gay man in 2006, insists he will use his fame to promote acceptance for gay people, and hopes the announcement will curb any future harassment they may face.
He says, "I think it's time for me to stand up ... and help educate, because I'm lucky enough to have been given a voice to be able to talk and grab the attention of people."
The singer also states the announcement will act as a tribute to murdered teen Lawrence King, 15, who was shot dead by a fellow student in February (08) in Oxnard, California because of his sexual orientation.
He adds, "I heard about Lawrence on the news, and it was just incredible to me that kids that age that would have such an issue ... with the subject of being gay."
Earlier in the year (08), Bass told of his own struggles with telling the public about his sexuality, stating he was too scared to 'come out' due to fear he would be lambasted by the public.
The star made the announcement for America's Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network to promote the National Day of Silence on 25 April (08), when students throughout the U.S. will take a vow of silence to protest bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools.
And Bass, who 'came out' as a gay man in 2006, insists he will use his fame to promote acceptance for gay people, and hopes the announcement will curb any future harassment they may face.
He says, "I think it's time for me to stand up ... and help educate, because I'm lucky enough to have been given a voice to be able to talk and grab the attention of people."
The singer also states the announcement will act as a tribute to murdered teen Lawrence King, 15, who was shot dead by a fellow student in February (08) in Oxnard, California because of his sexual orientation.
He adds, "I heard about Lawrence on the news, and it was just incredible to me that kids that age that would have such an issue ... with the subject of being gay."
Earlier in the year (08), Bass told of his own struggles with telling the public about his sexuality, stating he was too scared to 'come out' due to fear he would be lambasted by the public.