Tim Gunn, the iconic fashion mentor known for his work on Project Runway, has revealed a deeply personal reason for his decades-long celibacy. On Chelsea Handler’s podcast, the 72-year-old explained how heartbreak and the early AIDS crisis shaped his life. The experience led him to embrace a life without sexual relationships, a decision he now practices fully.
The Heartbreak That Changed Everything
Gunn’s decision traces back to a nine-year relationship in Washington, D.C., when he was 29. The end of that relationship left him emotionally shattered, as he discovered his partner had been unfaithful. The betrayal came during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in 1982, amplifying his fear of the ‘death sentence’ and anger.
He recalled the moment it ended, leaving him distraught and physically shaken. The combination of heartbreak and the looming health crisis caused him to rethink his approach to romantic and sexual relationships, making celibacy a protective choice.
The Story Behind Tim Gunn’s Long-Term Celibacy
For the fashion icon, moving on from that trauma was not easy. Even years later, the memories of betrayal would resurface whenever he considered intimacy with someone new, removing the desire entirely. Over time, he adjusted to living alone and embracing celibacy, a choice he now fully stands by:
“I have to say, being celibate and being someone who lives alone was a bit of an adjustment. But now I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Despite stepping away from Project Runway, Gunn looks back on his career with gratitude. Rising to fame in 2004 as a mentor on the show, he became known for his calm guidance and the iconic catchphrase, “Make it work.” Though producers did not invite him back for later seasons, Gunn values his time on the series and his Emmy, calling it a highlight of his life, according to Daily Mail.
Gunn’s honesty about his celibacy and personal journey sheds light on how profoundly heartbreak can shape a lifelong path. By confronting his past and embracing a life that works for him, Gunn demonstrates that fulfillment can take many forms, even those that diverge from conventional expectations.
