 In 2005 , a promotional video which showed SpongeBob and other characters from children 's shows singing together to promote diversity and tolerance was attacked by an evangelical group in the United States because they saw SpongeBob as being used to " advocate homosexuality " . James Dobson of Focus on the Family accused the video of promoting homosexuality , due to it being sponsored by a pro @-@ tolerance group . The incident accentuated questions as to whether or not SpongeBob is gay . Although the character has enjoyed popularity with gay viewers , series creator Stephen Hillenburg had already denied the issue three years earlier , clarifying at the time that he considers the character to be " somewhat asexual " . After Dobson 's comments , Hillenburg reasserted his position , stating that sexual preference does not play a part in what they are " trying to do " with the series . Tom Kenny and other production members were distraught that such an issue had arisen . 
