What is a mixed orientation marriage, and how is it different from a lavender marriage? A mixed orientation marriage often means the truth about sexual orientation comes out later in the relationship. A lavender marriage is understood from the beginning. Samantha Wynn Greenstone and Jacob Hoff have helped put a face to lavender marriages, where he is openly gay and she knew going into the marriage. The difference matters, because finding out later can feel emotionally brutal. Full video on YouTu