Nickelodeon has revealed that SpongeBob Squarepants is officially part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The network made the announcement on social media as part of Pride Month. 

“Celebrating #Pride with the LGBTQ+ community and their allies this month and every month,” they said.

The photo attached to the tweet was of SpongeBob wearing a rainbow striped tie with a rainbow tint drawn on his body. 

Other images were of Schwoz Schwartz from Henry Danger and Korra from The Legend of Korra, who were also wearing rainbow colours. 

Although they didn’t specifically state SpongeBob's sexual orientation, many fans believes he identifies as gay.

One fan wrote: “Did they just confirm SpongeBob as gay and then turn off the replies. If so I love this for him."

Another said: “So happy for SpongeBob ... really though you love to see it.”

The show’s creator Stephen Hillenburg said in 2005 that he considers SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick, to be asexual.