Martin has been an iconic figure in Latin Pop and American pop culture for over two decades. His sexuality has always hovered in rumors over the course of his career. Martin reflected on the infamous interview he did with Barbara Walters in 2000 in which she directly asked him about his sexuality after the huge success of his song "Livin' La Vida Loca".

"When she dropped the question. I felt violated. I was not ready to come out. I was afraid. There's a little PTSD with that."

He went on to reflect on others implying and forcing LGBTQ+ members to come out:

"There are many, many kids out there that don't have someone to look up to. All they have around them is people telling them, 'What you're feeling is evil.' But, you can't force someone to come out. But if you have an egg and you open it from the outside, only death comes out. But if the egg opens up from the inside, life comes out."

Along with this beautiful metaphor for anxiety and sexuality, Martin serves as a role model and figure for LGBTQ+ individuals and the greater public. PEOPLE's Pride Issue hits newsstands Friday, June 4th so be sure to grab an issue.