His cartoon encourages viewers to embrace their own wackiness, playfully challenge social norms, and to celebrate different forms of friendship.
As we celebrate 25 years of SpongeBob, let’s continue the conversation and create a space where all identities are accepted and valued.
Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter for the latest news, stories, and updates on LGBTQ+ rights and issues.
Is Spongebob Gay?
What’s The Truth?
No, Spongebob is not gay. No one is shut out."
Article continues below advertisement
Plenty of Twitter users have pointed out that even if SpongeBob is asexual and not gay, he's still considered "queer" — and he's still very much part of the LGBTQ+ community.
One person tweeted, "A lot of people are saying 'Spongebob is asexual according to Stephen Hillenburg' and I just wanna point out that would still make him queer, aces are queer, he can be a gay ace, he’s allowed to wear the rainbow too guys."
Article continues below advertisement
Perhaps SpongeBob wasn't initially intended to be gay — but it certainly seems Nickelodeon is suggesting the beloved cartoon character could be, after all.
His other work has appeared in Teen Vogue, British GQ, and The Independent.
On May 1, 1999, Nickelodeon introduced the world to SpongeBob SquarePants, a lovable sea sponge living in a pineapple under the sea.
(Even if you didn't, you're likely familiar with the popular Nickelodeon series.) The shenanigans SpongeBob got himself into alongside his BFFs, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, and Gary the snail (mostly while annoying Squidward) are still quote-worthy today. They keep their private life and sexual orientation private.
Is SpongeBob Gay?
SpongeBob SquarePants’ sexual orientation has not been officially confirmed by Nickelodeon or the show’s creators in a statement.
Over the past 26 years, the show has captured the hearts of millions with its madcap humor, off-kilter characters, and quirky storylines. He's highly sensitive, isn't what is generally considered as "masculine," and sometimes dresses in traditionally female clothing.
Article continues below advertisement
In other words, news that SpongeBob is indeed a member of the LGBTQ+ wasn't so much shocking as it was validating for many fans who took note of the "signs" all along.
Article continues below advertisement
The show's creator previously labeled SpongeBob "asexual."
In 2005, Stephen Hillenburg — creator of the popular Nickelodeon series — responded to Christian activist groups who accused the show of using SpongeBob and Patrick to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.
"It doesn't have anything to do with what we're trying to do," Stephen said at the time.
Whether seen as gay, asexual, or simply a joyful sponge who loves everyone, SpongeBob continues to entertain and inspire. It is unclear, however, whether Nickelodeon were referring to the "community" or "allies" when it came to those pictures of Schwoz and SpongeBob — but the internet has already made up its mind that after 20 years of iconically camp behavior, S.B.
is finally, officially out of the closet.
SpongeBob SquarePants started airing in 1999, and has become known for its mix of surrealism and slapstick humor. Nevertheless, neither Nickelodeon nor the SpongeBob SquarePants creators have formally acknowledged this viewpoint.
The Show’s Creator’s Standpoint
SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg addressed the issue back in 2005.
Several moments from the show's earlier seasons have resurfaced and been immortalized as memes in the last couple of years, including one still which shows SpongeBob and his best friend (or boyfriend?) Patrick both with limp wrists, foreshadowing this revelation by Nickelodeon.
LGBTQ+ representation in children's media remains scarce, largely due to pushback from studios and parents who equate visible gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans characters with the "sexualization" of children.
In 2005, he claimed that SpongeBob Squarepants appeared in a “pro-homosexual video” that would be mailed to thousands of elementary schools to promote a “tolerance pledge” for differences in “sexual identity,” The New York Times reported. These images included: rainbow art of SpongeBob, Korra from The Legend of Korra (she's bisexual,) and Michael D.
Cohen (who is transgender) from Henry Danger.
Article continues below advertisement
Twitter was obsessed with SpongeBob's coming out.
Although a fair amount of Twitter users outright rejected the idea of SpongeBob being a member of the LGTBQ+ community, hoards of people tweeted their support and enthusiasm for the cartoon character's coming out.
Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement
Some even pushed for Squidward to have his own coming out.
Unfortunately, Stephen can't weigh in on this new development, as he died in 2018.
At the very least, we can now confidently say that SpongeBob Squarepants is an LGBTQ+ ally. Just last month, Pixar released a short film on Disney+ featuring a gay protagonist; Out followed his journey to come out to his parents and introduce them to his boyfriend.
Thus, even though SpongeBob SquarePants’ representation is still unclear, his widespread appeal highlights the value of representation in culture and the enduring influence of hit television programs.
Impact Beyond The Screen
Notwithstanding rumors concerning SpongeBob’s sexual preference, the program has garnered a great deal of praise and popularity over the years.
The moment mirrors a common trope about hiding one’s sexuality or interest in “non-masculine” things.
Rock-a-Bye Bivalve (Season 3 Episode 49B): SpongeBob dresses in a floral sunhat, a red polka dot skirt, high heel boots, and a parasol and walks along Patrick — who wears a 1920s style men’s boater hat and bowtie — while Patrick pushes a baby carriage containing the scallop that they’re babysitting.
That is slowly beginning to change. Since its debut in 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has not only delighted viewers all over the world but also had a big impact on popular culture. "I do think that the attitude of the show is about tolerance," he said. (He is getting his own spinoff, so who knows? The tweet celebrated Pride and sparked renewed speculation about SpongeBob’s sexuality, causing the hashtag #SpongeBobIsGay to start trending on social media.
The speculation may have been based on a comment from Dr.
James C. Dobson, the founder of the anti-LGBTQ+ Christian group Focus on the Family. "We never intended them to be gay. In the end, the query “Is SpongeBob gay?” highlights how critical it is for a variety of voices to be represented in the media.