Fashion Icon Tim Gunn: 'I Haven't Had Sex in 29 Years' and 'I'm a Perfectly Happy, Fulfilled Individual

Fashion icon Tim Gunn -- best known as a mentor to designers on the reality program "Project Runway" and as host of "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" -- candidly revealed to guests on ABC's "The Revolution" that he has been celibate for nearly three decades.

"I haven't had sex in 29 years," the designer confessed. "Do I feel like less of a person for it? No. Not even remotely."

Gunn, who served as associate dean of Parsons The New School for Design for over a decade, revealed this delicate aspect of his life in what he described as a spirit of honesty and solidarity with others who may be experiencing similar life-circumstances.

"I'm a perfectly happy, fulfilled individual," he added. "And I have feelings. It's not as though I'm some barren forest."

Gunn explained that the reason for his longtime celibacy stems from having been deeply wounded by a past relationship. Wrought with emotion, Gunn said, "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."

Gunn, revered by many for exuding both class and dignity in his various endeavors, added that his troubled relationship occurred during a time when the AIDS epidemic was just beginning and that he was concerned for his health.

"I'm happy to be healthy and alive, quite frankly," he said to a resounding round of applause. He added that there is no "mandate" stating he will remain chaste for the rest of his life and is open to a relationship, but that regardless of the outcome, feels complete as a person.

In a world -- and for Gunn especially, an industry -- hyper-focused on sex and sexualization, many will find his choice and integrity commendable.

The very personal interview follows below:

(h/t: Yahoo)