The March cover boy -- whose cover of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" shot to the top of the iTunes charts last year -- also opens up about why he came out as straight after landing the role of Blaine Anderson, an openly gay high school student, during Glee's second season.
"I think it's more empowering to everybody, including myself, if I'm articulate about identifying myself as a straight male playing a gay character," the San Francisco native reasons. "Ultimately, that's more powerful for both communities."
Not that his fans should be too surprised -- the University of Michigan alum grew up surrounded by members of the gay community. As a child actor, Criss performed in local musicals (including Les Miserables), where he befriended
Darren Criss and Out Magazine
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