Elton John gave Lance Bass a surprise in his hard times

Lance Bass says he went through a tough period when he came out as gay in 2006 leading Elton John to send him a gift basket.

In a chat with People, the NSYNC alum recalled the gift he received from the legendary singer who publicly came out in 1976 as bisexual but years later he said he was gay.

“The most fun thing I got after I came out was a nice gift basket — I think on my front step — and it was from Elton John basically saying, ‘Welcome to the club."

He continued, “I was like, ‘Wow, I got a welcome basket from the king of the gay mafia.’ I’m like, ‘I’m in!’ I thought that was the most fun, welcoming basket you could ever get.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Lance recalled the hard decision of the past about coming out after speculations were rife about his sexuality.

“Of course there were rumors, but that was also at a time where social media wasn't so much of a thing and you could actually have more of a private life,” the 44-year-old said who is married to Michael Turchin and have two twins.

He noted, “No one was taking pictures everywhere you went. So it was kind of easy for me to live this kind of private life.”

Adding, “I had a boyfriend, my circle of friends knew about me, and I just didn't think [my sexuality] was such a big deal."

However, the public came to know, he says, through a tabloid about his sexuality.

“I knew I had to say something. And at that point, I was so scared about what would happen in my life personally. I didn't want my family to get hurt by this.”

Though he was warned not to disclose his sexuality, Lance; nonetheless; went forward with his gut feelings and publicly came out as gay.