You'll be shocked

In 2002, this character was growing popular among gays, to the extent that some evangelical groups accused it of promoting homosexuality.The creator of the character clarified that the character was "almost asexual" given that it has been shown to regenerate limbs and reproduce by "budding" much like real "_____" do. He repeated that sexual preference waas never considered during the creation of the show. Other members of the production unit were shocked that such an issue had arisen.

Identify this character.