The terrific Web site AfterElton.com has a cool Q&A today with "Project Runway" designers Kayne Gillapsie, 27, and Robert Best, 37. I don't watch the show regularly but thought some of their answers were good in this interview.

Here are some excerpts:

AE: You've both been pretty honest about your sexuality on the show. Do you think it's important for gays and lesbians to be open when they're on reality shows like Project Runway?
RB: I think the important thing is to just represent themselves. If that's not something you want to represent, then that's a personal choice. I can respect and understand that, because people have different reasons for putting themselves out there in the public eye. I think, for me, I just consider it a facet of my life like any other facet, like I have salt-and-pepper hair. I'm not going to make it an issue, and I'm not going to deny it. It's part of who I am, and I'm just like, “This is me. This is all of me. Take it or leave it. I don't really care.�

AE: There's been a lot of talk recently about gay role models, with George Michael claiming to be one and Lance Bass saying he didn't want the job. Do you see yourselves as role models?
RB: If that's what people want to perceive it as, I have no problem with that. I'm proud of who I am. I think I'm an accomplished, intelligent human being, and if people want to see me as a gay role model, I'm comfortable with that. I'm sure there are people who I don't represent. I can't speak for everyone. At the same time, I'm happy for someone to look up to me or whatever.

AE: Do you think there's any truth to the stereotype that most male fashion designers are gay?
RB: Yeah. I would argue it, but it seems to be true for the most part.
KG: You'll find a lot, just like with hairdressers and makeup people, anything that's creative or has to do with glamour or fabulousness, it's just something that we tend to excel at. I think the numbers are definitely higher. I haven't done any studies, but from what I've experienced, there're a lot more homosexuals in fashion design, than say, farming. [Laughs.]