Lady Gaga: 'It's cool to be celibate'

She has some of the sexiest outfits around, but Lady Gaga has told fans "it's ok not to have sex".

The double-Grammy Award winner has opened up about her private life, revealing she is celibate and she wants her fans to follow suit.

The 24-year-old said: "I can't believe I'm saying this - don't have sex. I'm single right now and I've chosen to be single because I don't have the time to get to know anybody. So it's OK not to have sex, it's OK to get to know people. I'm celibate, celibacy's fine.

The singer, who has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, is keen to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and gives away free condoms at her concerts.

She added: "You don't have to have sex to feel good about yourself, and if you're not ready, don't do it.

"I remember the cool girls when I was growing up. Everyone started to have sex. But it's not really cool anymore to have sex all the time. It's cooler to be strong and independent."