The SpongeBob LGBTQ+ confirmation meme originated from a June 2020 tweet by Nickelodeon celebrating Pride Month, which featured SpongeBob alongside other LGBTQ+ characters like Korra and Schwoz Schwartz. This post sparked massive online conversation, confirming what many fans had long suspected or interpreted from the show's colorful subtext. While creator Stephen Hillenburg previously noted in 2005 that SpongeBob is asexual, the meme is frequently used to celebrate queer representation, express joy during Pride, or make lighthearted jokes about 'obvious' character reveals. It remains a staple for inclusive messaging and reaction humor across social media platforms.