In an new interview with GQ Hype, Antoni Porowski opens up about everything from his identity to becoming a “sex symbol” as he promotes his new cookbook Antoni In The Kitchen.
When asked exactly how he identifies–whether he’s queer, fluid, or something else–Porowski hesitates.
“I don’t really know and I kind of like not knowing,” he says, adding that he has dated men for several years, but that he’s been in more actual relationships with women, and so he wants to be sensitive to both.
“I feel like if I do refer to myself as gay, which would make it easier for people to understand sometimes, I feel like it dishonors women that I’ve been in love with.”
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While on the subject of labels, one that has frequently been associated with Porowski is “sex symbol,” which he says caught him by surprise at first.
“I did not think that I was going to be objectified as a 34-year-old male,” he confesses. “That usually happens for guys in their twenties.”
But he wants people to know that, while he may be easy on the eyes, he’s also very intelligent.
“I used to do this thing where any opportunity I’d remind somebody that I have an educational background,” he says.
“I went to university, I’m not an idiot, I read a ton of books. I’ve kind of calmed down on that a little because I think with physical appearance it’s always assumed that you’re a dumb ass.”
As for those thirsty selfies he’s constantly posting to Instagram, Porowski says he does that as a reminder to himself not to take things so seriously all the time.
“I think it’s a reminder to enjoy myself in the process, because I take myself really seriously,” he says, adding that the show has taught him to “let my guard down and lean into all the weird shit that I like.”
While you’re here, scroll down for some more recent pics from Porowski’s Instagram page…
Related: Antoni Porowski on being “pathologically co-dependent” and assumptions he’s gay
Smith David
He’s the ideal for gay white men I guess. He’s handsome.
Catholicslutbox
I freakin’ hate these new guys. they’re so dull.
GentlemanCaller
He “didn’t set out to be a sex symbol”: Mission accomplished.
Vince
The lady doth protest too much me thinks.
Cam
So he says he didn’t think he’d be a sex symbol…..after spending how long posting half clothed selfies??
But the most grown inducing was: “”“I don’t really know and I kind of like not knowing,” he says, adding that he has dated men for several years, but that he’s been in more actual relationships with women, and so he wants to be sensitive to both.””
Ones eyes cannot roll far enough.
Jimmy T
Uh…it’s groan, not grown.
James
RIGHT. AND THEN TEN PICTURES ADDED TO THE ARTICLE OF HIM SHIRTLESS.
yaletownman
So he incessantly posts shirtless pictures of himself and then says he never set out to be a sex symbol? Really? He’s obviously very disconnected from himself and that alone ruins any sex appeal he may have had.
Brian
But they’re just a reminder not to take himself so seriously. Somehow.
jjose712
Is he a sex symbol?
Everytime one of those queer eyes guys open his mouth is to say something annoying and show his big ego
OzJosh
Off the top of my head I can’t think of a TV celebrity who has tried harder to be a “sex symbol”. I mean, his Queer Eye role is cuisine, so the endless underwear shots aren’t strictly on point, are they?
PollyDarton
Insert “insufferable” in place of “sex symbol”. It makes more sense.
wellinmysoul
who?
G R
OLD looking hands in that b&w shot.
Chaud002
He is visually sexually attractive. If it helps him with his career to pose shirtless then who are we to say it is wrong.
Cam
Nobody is saying it’s wrong. People are laughing at the absurdity and complete lack of self awareness that would cause someone to say they never thought they would be objectified, yet at the same time they are continually posting wannabee thirst trap style photos to their Instagram.
Those are the pictures of somebody HOPING to be objectified.
nitejonboy
It doesn’t make you a sex symbol just because a lot of people want to fuk you. A lot of people want to fuk porn stars, I’d hardly call them sex symbols.
Judespeak
I would like to offer my condolences to all the women he’s been in love with and in relationships with. That must have been… quite something.
innocentgay
This is going to sound awfully un-woke, and I guess maybe it is, but… Are ANY of the current hosts of Queer Eye gay men?
Kangol2
Karamo Brown is as gay as summer days are long. He’s also married to a man. Doesn’t he count?
Kangol2
Is he?
ShiningSex
Good because he’s NOT a sex symbol
DarkZephyr
Dear Lord the Queerty snark.
For my part, I love him. I think he’s gorgeous and plenty of others do as well. He has quite a drooling fanbase that makes itself loudly known on Twitter, youtube, instagram and likely elsewhere.
That being said, 34’s an interesting age to “not know” your sexual orientation. I don’t know what’s so hard about identifying as bisexual.
I remember fighting for respect and having to constantly explain that being gay or bi isn’t a choice and that sexual orientation is an immutable trait, so conversion therapy is destructive. And now we have LGBT people actually reinforcing the myth that sexual orientation is not just mutable but VERY mutable and constantly shifting and changing, playing right into conservative homophobic hands.
Gourmet Guy
I adore Antoni Porowski for many reasons, including his most excellent cookbook. He’s one of the most attractive men around, and his attitude about that is refreshingly modest.