Nickelodeon’s tacit endorsement of SpongeBob’s LGBTQ status is a good first step, and we’ll be waiting eagerly to see what step they take next.Ĭlick here to see a history of LGBTQ+ characters on TV. If kids had just as many beloved gay cartoon characters as those they assume to be straight, how many LGBTQ kids might feel better accepted and understood? We have to keep evolving if we want a better future, and our kids can’t learn from what we don’t show them. And we know that LGBTQ youth are particularly at risk from their peers, with GLAAD reporting that 74.1% of LGBTQ youth are verbally harassed due to their sexual orientation, and 55.5% feel unsafe at school. While Nickelodeon would undoubtedly have made a stronger statement by, well, making an actual statement, this is still a big step forward for representation in kids’ TV, which has long ruled LGBTQ characters and relationships too “adult” for its content, despite their comfort including adult heterosexual relationships. On June 13, 2020, Nickelodeon, the longtime home of SpongeBob SquarePants (Stephen Hillenburg, 1999-), wrote that it was Celebrating Pride with the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, setting a rainbow-tied SpongeBob alongside trans actor Michael D. He clarified that he considers the character to be 'somewhat asexual. In 2002, when SpongeBobs popularity with gay men grew, Hillenburg denied the suggestion. Okay, I have nothing against gay SpongeBob, but didn't Stephen Hillenburg say he is asexual? #SpongeBob #SpongebobIsGay /0X1hrQE5bL SpongeBob SquarePants is the protagonist of the American animated television series of the same name.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |