In response to attacks directed at SpongeBob Squarepants by Focus on the Family and other conservative organizations, because of SpongeBob’s supposed sexual orientation, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Chief Executive Officer, Lorri L. Jean, issued the following statement:
‘If SpongeBob is gay, we want him to know he’s not alone. The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s youth center and transitional living program can offer him support and a home if he’s ever kicked out of his pineapple under the sea or attacked because of his sexual orientation.
‘The anti-gay rhetoric from supposedly ‘pro-family’ organizations has some serious consequences. It sends a dangerous message to parents that something is wrong with their gay or lesbian children and contributes to feelings of shame and humiliation among youth. All too often, the result is that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) youth are forced out by their parents or flee a home that feels unsafe. Many come to Los Angeles where the Center’s 24-bed residence for homeless youth is always full and thousands of other GLBT young people live on the streets.’
In the tradition of attacks on Tinky Winky, Focus on the Family’s Dr. James C. Dobson said SpongeBob’s creators had created a ‘pro-homosexual video,’ in which he appeared alongside Barney, Jimmy Neutron and others in a video for youth created as a ‘tolerance pledge’ that includes tolerance for differences of ‘sexual identity.’ Video creator Nile Rodgers, who wrote ‘We Are Family,’ said he founded the We Are Family Foundation after the Sept. 11 attacks to create a music video to teach children about multiculturalism. The video has appeared on TV networks, but nothing in it or its accompanying materials refers to sexual identity, he said.
Rodgers said James and his co-horts may have confused foundations, as there is a similarly named group backing gay youth.