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Beard female companion

Beard female companion: Encyclopedia - Beard female companion

In gay slang, a beard is a female companion used to hide a gay man's sexuality by appearing in public as if she and the gay man were a heterosexual couple. To do this with a heterosexual woman without letting your companion know you are gay is generally considered poor form. The term originated in the mid-1960s. It is derived from the notion that a man with a woman on his arm looks more butch, like a man with a beard. Closeted gay men and lesbians may also take part in this kind of relationship, to their mutual advantage. In th ...

Beard female companion: Encyclopedia - Beard female companion

Beard (female companion)

In gay slang, a beard is a female companion used to hide a gay man's sexuality by appearing in public as if she and the gay man were a heterosexual couple. To do this with a heterosexual woman without letting your companion know you are gay is generally considered poor form. The term originated in the mid-1960s. It is derived from the notion that a man with a woman on his arm looks more butch, like a man with a beard.

Closeted gay men and lesbians may also take part in this kind of relationship, to their mutual advantage. In the past a great many gay men and lesbians married in order to fit in with heterosexual society – this practice continues today, but less so, as the gay rights movement has made society more accepting of "out" gay men and lesbians.

The practice is very prevalent in Hollywood where actors often remain closeted to protect their careers. In the 1920's this union was sometimes referred to as a Lavender marriage.

This term should not be confused with fag hag.