Is Squidward Gay: A Complete Overview Of His Orientation
Key takeaways:
- There have been speculation of Squidward’s sexual orientation, a character from SpongeBob SquarePants.
- It presents some reasons why some fans think Squidward is gay, based on his interactions, interests, and relationship with SpongeBob.
- It acknowledges that Squidward’s sexuality has never been confirmed by the show or the creators, and that it may be more complex than a simple label.
Is Squidward Gay? Why Do People Think Squidward Is Gay?
The truth is: We have had a clear answer to exactly which gender Squidward is attracted to. While his sexual orientation was never clarified in the show or by the show the creators, the speculation about Squidward’s sexual orientation primarily stems from his character traits and behaviors in the show. Here are some reasons why some viewers interpret Squidward as being gay:
His Interactions with Other Characters
One of the main arguments that fans use to support Squidward’s gayness is his dismissive attitude towards female characters in the show. They claim that this shows a lack of interest in women, and therefore, a preference for men.
For example, in the episode “Tentacle-Vision,” Squidward gets his own TV show, and invites Pearl to be his co-host. However, he quickly regrets his decision, as Pearl turns out to be loud, obnoxious, and annoying. She constantly interrupts him, makes fun of him, and hugs him against his will. Squidward is visibly uncomfortable and irritated by her presence, and tries to get rid of her.
Another example is in the episode “Krusty Love,” where Mr. Krabs falls in love with Mrs. Puff, and asks Squidward to help him impress her. Squidward reluctantly agrees, but he soon realizes that Mr. Krabs is spending too much money on Mrs. Puff, and tries to stop him. However, Mrs. Puff misinterprets Squidward’s intervention as jealousy, and kisses him on the cheek. Squidward is disgusted and horrified by her kiss, and runs away.
These examples seem to suggest that Squidward is not attracted to women, and that he finds them annoying and repulsive.
His Aesthetic Interests
Another argument that fans use to support Squidward’s gayness is his strong interest in arts and music. They claim that these interests are associated with stereotypes about gay men, and that they reflect Squidward’s sexuality.
For example, in the episode “Artist Unknown,” Squidward enrolls in an art class at the Bikini Bottom Art Society, where he meets his idol, Squilliam Fancyson. Squilliam is a successful and famous artist, who has a mansion, a helicopter, and a unibrow. Squidward is in awe of Squilliam, and tries to impress him with his own art. However, he fails miserably, and ends up being humiliated by Squilliam.
Another example is in the episode “Squid Wood,” where Squidward tries to join a band of famous clarinet players, led by Kelpy G, a smooth jazz musician. Squidward is a huge fan of Kelpy G, and dreams of playing with him. However, he is rejected by the band, and has to watch SpongeBob perform with them instead.
His Relationship with SpongeBob
The final argument that fans use to support Squidward’s gayness is his complex relationship with SpongeBob. They claim that this relationship is more than friendship, and that it reveals Squidward’s romantic interest in SpongeBob.
For example, in the episode “The Great Snail Race,” Squidward enters his snail Snellie in a race against SpongeBob’s Gary, hoping to beat him and impress SpongeBob. However, he ends up hurting Snellie, and losing the race. SpongeBob confronts Squidward, and tells him that he is a bad owner. Squidward feels guilty, and apologizes to Snellie. He then gives Snellie to SpongeBob, and tells him that he likes him.
Another example is in the episode “Squidtastic Voyage,” where Squidward accidentally swallows his clarinet, and SpongeBob and Patrick shrink themselves to go inside his body and retrieve it. However, they end up causing more damage to Squidward, and making him sick. Squidward is taken to the hospital, where SpongeBob and Patrick manage to escape from his body. Squidward wakes up, and sees SpongeBob and Patrick next to him. He hugs them, and thanks them for saving his life.
That's pretty of ammos for the "Squidward is gay" camp to fire from. But hold on, is this the untold truth of Squidward's sexuality?
Clarifying Squidward’s Character Traits: Is He Really Gay?
Squidward’s Dismissive Attitude:
His Aesthetic Interests
His Relationship with SpongeBob: BFF or Bae?
Counter Argument: Squidward’s Bisexual Energy Is Obvious...
The Truth Is: Squidward Is More Asexual Than Anything
- He never shows sexual attraction: Squidward's track record when it comes to romance is about as exciting as watching paint dry (figuratively, of course – we love you, Gary!). His past fling with some nameless octopi didn't exactly set off fireworks, and his interactions with SpongeBob, Patrick, and even Squilliam Fancyson (the ultimate source of tentacle envy) are hardly sprinkled with romantic tension. Dude seems about as interested in flirting as Mr. Krabs is in sharing his profits.
- His creator said so: Stephen Hillenburg, the mastermind behind Bikini Bottom's chaos, weighed in on this aquatic enigma once and for all: both Squidward and SpongeBob are practically waving the asexual flag. He stated they weren't meant to be gay, but closer to "not even thinking about" that side of things. In other words, Squidward's love life is about as dramatic as SpongeBob's pet jellyfish – basically non-existent.
- His species is asexual: And here's the kicker, even in the real world, Squidward's species, the majestic octopus, isn't exactly known for its romantic entanglements. They're like the chameleons of the deep, switching between sexual and asexual reproduction depending on the mood (or rather, the ocean currents). They can even clone themselves, basically playing God with their own tentacles. Talk about defying labels!