Story by Katie Ericson
Recently, Drake released the next lecturer for the Bucksbaum Series: Tim Gunn.
A popular television star and fashion expert, Gunn is best known for his role on the Lifetime reality show, “Project Runway.”
Working with Heidi Klum, Gunn helped host and produce almost 10 seasons of the hit show. He became known for his relentless critiques and phrase, “Make it work.”
Now he is taking part in “Project Runway: Under the Gunn,” a similar show with Gunn as the main host instead of Klum.
He has also taken part in other television shows, usually as himself.
Most recently, he appeared as a guest star in the final season of “How I Met Your Mother” as Barney’s personal tailor. He was another stylist in the fourth season of “Gossip Girl” and a reporter in “Ugly Betty.”
Gunn has become a well-known figure for other reasons as well. Raised in a conservative, homophobic household, Gunn did not originally accept his homosexuality.
In a video for the It Gets Better Project in 2010, Gunn admitted to attempting suicide at age 17 by swallowing nearly 100 pills. In his early 20s, he accepted his sexual orientation but did not publicly admit it until he was nearly 30.
Another media ripple came two years ago on Gunn’s show “The Revolution.” Discussing no-sex relationships and their effectiveness, Gunn admitted he has not had sex in 29 years. This confession lead to fans speculating about his possible status as an asexual, but the rumors were never confirmed. Gunn said abstinence was partly due to a difficult break-up, but also because of a fear of contracting STDS, AIDS in particular.
Yet Gunn claims he is happy with his life. In his YouTube video for It Gets Better, he gives comforting words to those considering suicide. On “The Revolution,” he claimed he is perfectly satisfied with his life sans sex. Gunn may have no life partner right now, but he does have a successful television show, several books and monthly articles in People’s Style Watch and Marie Claire. Gunn has asserted again and again to the media that he is ecstatic to be alive and be himself.
It seems everyone else is happy he is alive, too. Students have had an overwhelmingly positive response to Drake’s announcement.
“I have watched almost 10 seasons of Project Runway,” said junior Madison Dockter, “and he’s amazing. And he’s in ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ He’s awesome.”
Senior Judy Lee did not take the announcement so well, but for other reasons. “Why am I graduating?” Lee said. “I’m just going to have to come back for this.”
Facebook and Twitter blew up within minutes of the announcements, as students eagerly marked their calendars for the arrival of the fashion star — Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
Gunn’s lecture is months away, but considering the media waves he has created and his long-term success with television, it is sure to be an interesting lecture.
