A term used in the 1930s, and can still be applied today. It's a term meaning if you are an actor who happens to be gay or lesbian like so many people in the 1930s, the agent of that actor tries to marry them off with a straight person. It is either this or lose everything when the public and fans find out a particular actor is homosexual.
These days it's no big deal to come out of the closet, but there are still gay actors married to a straight spouse for appearance, and reputation. This called a Lavender marriage.
John Travolta is indeed in a Lavender marriage with Kelly Preston.
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A mixed-orientation marriage used to hide someone's sexual orientation; it can be done for religious reasons, reputation, preservation of things like your career or public image, etc. It is often a gay man marrying a gay woman.
"Brennan and Alyssa got married last week."
"Whoa! But I thought he was gay."
"He is, and so is she. But they're both Christians, so they got married."
"Oh, that's weird. What were the colors?"
"Lavender and rose, 'cause it was a 'lavender marriage'"
"Nice pun!"
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A marriage between a heterosexual woman and an openly homosexual man.
Woman: Is Zia really married to Marc? I thought he was gay.
Man: Yeah, it's a lavender marriage.
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A term redefined by GenZ
For a generation that's dealing with sky-high living costs and social isolation, lavender marriages have evolved into something that's not just about hiding but about creating stability, connection, and shared support."
The term "lavender marriage" dates back to the early 20th century. It originally referred to a heterosexual marriage between one or two LGBTQ people.
Now a popular hashtag on TikTok
The hashtag #lavendermarriage has garnered millions of views on TikTok, with Gen Z users putting out video ads for potential lavender marriage partners.
"Gen Z is rejecting the standard marriage blueprint, focusing instead on shared goals: financial security, reliable companionship, and a partner who's down to weather life's ups and downs without necessarily being 'the one,
Their lavender marriage meant they could both afford a decent place to live & pay the bills, as opposed to being being broke, single, and lonely."
A marriage that is in lavender
Tyler: Hey what happened to Cindy last night
Josh: I lavender marriaged that bitch