Glossary
Lavender Marriage
A marriage of convenience between two people, typically where one or both partners are LGBTQ+, entered to conceal sexual orientation or gender identity for safety, social acceptance, or practical reasons.
Beard
Slang term for a person who conceals another person's homosexuality or queerness through romantic association, either in a dating relationship or marriage.
Boston Marriage
Historical term (late 19th-early 20th century) for two women living together in a committed relationship, often described as "romantic friendships."
Xinghun (形婚)
Chinese term meaning "formal marriage" or "marriage of appearance" - lavender marriages are common in China due to strong family pressure.
Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup)
Legal contract entered before marriage specifying how assets, debts, and property will be divided if the marriage ends.