Philip Ellis is Sex & Relationships Editor at Men's Health, and author of the novels We Could Be Heroes and Love & Other Scams.
“I consider them to almost be asexual.” But because sexuality is layered and complex, it’s possible that Spongebob might be asexual and homoromantic: experiencing no sexual attraction but experiencing romantic attraction to his same gender.
Regardless of how Spongebob identifies, though, it’s important to have varying sexualities represented in television without it being a character’s main defining trait.
Nickelodeon is among them, insinuating that one of their very own—Spongebob Squarepants—could very well be a gay (sponge)man. I consider them to be almost asexual.” Indeed, fans have speculated that SpongeBob is asexual as the show never really approaches the topic of him having a romantic relationship. 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. Whether seen as gay, asexual, or simply a joyful sponge who loves everyone, SpongeBob continues to entertain and inspire. As many Twitter users pointed out, Spongebob’s behavior has often been received as canonically gay.
“Celebrating #Pride with the LGBTQ+ community and their allies this month and every month,” the TV channel wrote on Twitter, along with a photo of everyone’s favorite marine sponge.
Nickelodeon must’ve known this secret message would throw viewers through a loop; they limited replies to only accounts they follow. “We never intended them to be gay,” he said.
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. They have no time for slander against Spongebob’s sexuality, lest we forget he is a cartoon.
But many weren’t shocked by the news. Over the past 26 years, the show has captured the hearts of millions with its madcap humor, off-kilter characters, and quirky storylines.
Among the many discussions surrounding the show, one of the most enduring questions is about whether or not SpongeBob is gay.
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Nickelodeon’s Pride tweet
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In 2020, during Pride month, Nickelodeon tweeted an image that included SpongeBob alongside other LGBTQ+ characters, such as Korra from The Legend of Korra (who is bisexual) and Michael D.
Cohen from Henry Danger (who is transgender). 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. 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.
This perspective adds another layer to understanding SpongeBob as a character who challenges traditional norms.
SpongeBob’s love knows no bounds
After 25 years, SpongeBob SquarePants remains a beloved and somewhat sexually ambiguous character.