Tim Gunn to headline Planned Parenthood fundraiser March 5

Tim Gunn, “Project Runway’s” master of constructive criticism, is on the phone confessing how his Texas stereotype of gun-toting, conservative Christian thinking almost kept him from accepting a speaking engagement here next week.

If Gunn is anything, he is honest. He also is diplomatic, inquisitive and noble enough to admit when he’s wrong — all which led to his March 5 gig as the headliner for the sold-out Planned Parenthood of South Texas luncheon.

“When I found out what Planned Parenthood in South Texas does, I was blown away,” Gunn said from New York. He said the organization’s compassion and willingness to help others with health care needs, counseling and encouragement to move their lives forward aligns closely with his own values.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be there. I can’t wait,” he said.

Neither can guests who will hear Gunn talk about the importance in nurturing friendships, standing up to bullying, how to be fearless when dealing with a personal challenge, and living with integrity and character.

He’ll also gab about fashion, a topic he has touched on with four books. His latest, “The Natty Professor” (Simon & Schuster, $25), is set for a March 24 launch.

Written with his friend and much-admired editor, Ada Calhoun, he explained the book is one of great appreciation and respect for teachers.

Before his 10 years on “Project Runway,” Gunn was the fashion design program chair at New York’s Parsons The New School for Design — and before that a teacher for 30 years, learning how to motivate and mentor students.

But Gunn, 61, also fearlessly shares insight into his personal life, including a suicide attempt at 17, followed by a two-year psychiatric hospital stay and later, coming out at 22.

Q: Tim, in your newest book your write about starting a national conversation about teaching. Will you please speak to that?

A: We tend to be pretty myopic in this country and feel bad about education everywhere else. Well, there is a lot of work we need to do here. I believe frankly that we are an undereducated nation. And I don’t just blame schools. I blame parents. I don’t believe we are doing enough. I know it’s not good enough. And I know that’s corroborated nationwide. Teachers are horribly underpaid and undervalued in many ways. I think it’s time to huddle and have a serious dialogue and recalibrate matters.

Q: You also write that a teacher or student, and really any individual, should not be afraid to ask for help.

A: I believe in demonstrating vulnerability. I do it all the time, and I’m proud of it. If I don’t know something I say “I don’t know, but let’s find out.” In the “Project Runway” workroom there are times I am stumped by something and make a declaration to the room: “Does anyone know the answer?” And then we put our heads together. I have learned — and it’s important to underscore this — that life is a big collaboration.

Q: When offering constructive criticism on “Project Runway” what is utmost on your mind?

A: Wanting to help the designer to move forward in a way that will be beneficial. But I always remind designers they are responsible for their decision making. I’m there as an observer. I’m there to have a conversation with them. I don’t believe in pummeling people with comments. I believe in asking questions and finding out what they are doing, and what they are intending to do, so I can offer responsible feedback. I want them to succeed.

Q: If I may get personal, you came out almost 40 years ago, and today there is certainly more acceptance. But there still is a lot of bullying. What are your thoughts on improving the situation?

A: There is much more of a platform for discussion, but I don’t think that diminishes the emotional turmoil. Before I came out, I didn’t know what I was, but I knew what I wasn’t. I believe it’s still a struggle for most people. You struggle with identity and confusion and think that there must be something wrong with me. But I have to say, I cannot understand parents who would turn their back on a child who would declare anything to them that is mildly, remotely controversial. I can’t imagine it. I have no patience for it and I think, “Shame on you.”

Q: In your book you write about how, at 17, you were in a psychiatric hospital for two years because of an attempted suicide with pills. What happened?

A: It was two years and three months. I was clinically depressed. I was angry. I felt there was no hope. I was a constant disappointment to my parents. I had this horribly debilitating stutter. Engaging in any kind of dialogue was painful for me to listen to myself. Anxiety and nervousness made it so much worse. In the hospital there were all sorts of measures to ensure you are not going to do away with yourself. But I also decided I wasn’t going to participate in the therapy, and I would just sit silently. I went through two doctors within the first three months. And then I was presented to Dr. Philip Goldblatt. He broke through me through patience, diligence and tenacity. I understood that the only way this was going to end was if I actually engaged with him.

Q: You opened up and in a way, you haven’t stopped, have you?

A: It’s so much easier to tell the truth. Own responsibility for who you are, and people will accept it or they won’t. If they don’t, then it’s their issue, not yours. I knock wood every day. I’m grateful for every second. When “Project Runway” happened to me after I turned 50, well, who knew? I never dreamed I would end up on the show. And I never thought it would be for more than one season. I thought this would be great cocktail party talk. And now we’re poised to do season 14. It’s unbelievable.