We’re not sure what the story is. Maybe their publicist decided Jonathan’s gayness might turn off all the now-middle-aged female fans who are buying tickets for their comeback tour?  Maybe Jonathan is hoping that the huge! new! comeback! would propel his coming out story onto the cover of People, like fellow boy-bander Lance Bass or lady singer Clay Aiken, and therefore he should wait until the New Kids complete their sure-to-be record-breaking and publicity-garnering world tour–lest his grand coming out gesture land with a sad whimper only on the covers of The Advocate and the San Francisco Bay Times.

Regardless, leave it to Donnie Wahlberg to jump the gun and make out with the guy on stage during their Los Angeles show this weekend, ostensibly as a birthday present.  We suppose it was a “Hey bro, it’s cool you’re gay, and since it’s your birthday I’m going to give you what you’ve obviously wanted for years now, a taste of my big Boston mouth” kind of move.

Behold:

RELATED:

Another Has-Been Boy Bander Comes Out of the Closet
Chace Knows His Dolce, Forgot About Milan
Top 10 Celebs Who Should Come Out of the Closet

New Kiss on the Block (Towleroad)