A fork of Rural Dictionary
Someone who you coauthor with who has a marginalized racial identity (e.g. BIPoC), in order to credibly discuss race issues as a white person. Could equally apply to people of marginalized gender identity or sexual orientation (see queer beard).
That guy only writes with so-and-so so he can talk about racy topics without being attacked, and get into those progressive journals! I would go as far to say he's using them as a race beard...
A token BIPoc person you are friends with so you don't appear racist.
See also: queer beard
"We need more diversity in our friend group. Shall we invite Steve?"
"Steve? Oh, you mean the black Steve!"
" Dudes, Steve knows you're using him as a race beard, eh."