Beard (female companion)

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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. It is generally considered poor form for a gay man not to reveal his homosexuality to the woman. The term originated in the mid-1960s, and is derived from the notion that a man with a woman on his arm looks more masculine, like a man with a beard. A male companion who accompanies a lesbian woman for the same purposes is sometimes called a merkin.

In the early years of the gay rights movement, some homophile organizations required members to bring beards with them to meetings, for protection in case the police raided the meeting.

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, such as Elton John, 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.

In the 1920's this union was sometimes referred to as a Lavender marriage.

This term should not be confused with fag hag.

In Woody Allen's film "Broadway Danny Rose", Allen's character insists he is only 'the beard' and not a boyfriend when confronted by gangsters while he escorts Tina (played by Mia Farrow).

The television show Seinfeld brought this term into mainstream awareness by titling an episode "The Beard" in which Elaine Benes helps a homosexual friend hide his orientation, and eventually tries to convert him.