Tim Gunn Says He Hasn’t Had Sex in 29 Years

That is one hell of a dry spell, Tim Gunn.

Celibacy and asexuality have been in the news a lot this week, and the sex-free lifestyle got another big q-rating boost this week with Project Runway‘s Tim Gunn’s announcement that he has been sexless for the past thee decades. Gunn’s sexual abstention is a bit interesting, however- he talked about it publicly as early as 2006, but it seems that his departure from sex stems largely around a carried torch for a former partner.

Gunn stopped shagging in the early 80’s- at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the gay community- but he says the decision has been totally peaceful for him. Gunn credits a true love for his lack of lovemaking, and said on ABC’s chat show The Revolution:

“I haven’t had sex in 29 years. Do I feel like less of a person for it? No. Not even remotely… It’s very personal. I was in a very intense relationship for a long time. And my partner ended it, saying that, quite frankly, he was impatient with my sexual performance.”

So, does Gunn have any regrets about living for the past three decades with no sex? Not really- he says he is just pleased to have gotten through the scary period in gay mens’ health without getting sick:

“I think a lot of people simply retreated because they were concerned about their health. I certainly was… And I’m happy to be healthy and alive, quite frankly.”

Interestingly, though, Gunn doesn’t think that it means he will necessarily be celibate forever. He admits:

“I have feelings. It’s not as though I’m some barren forest. I don’t want to imply to anyone that I have a mandate that says no sex. I don’t. I don’t know what’s around the corner.”

Do you find it refreshing that a celebrity is open about their celibacy?