Leon Brown: So Here's Me

[Joan of Argh]

3 minutes ago, Cetacean said:

Well, huge parts of the United States are built on stolen land. The United States has very rarely honored a treaty that they signed.

If Audge and Leon really cared they would find some place that is not a trendy. expensive place to live. They talk big but they never walk the walk.

Exactly they love to take umbrage on behalf of they’re latest cause and look down their noses at everyone else but what exactly have they personally done or sacrificed to make a difference?

they obviously don’t respect handicapped people who legitimately require the assistance of an actual service dog and decided they’d lie and try to pass off their dogs to save themselves some money.

they were all hell bent about protecting the bees until that became old news

they were ranting and raving while making up a few backpacks for the homeless but that quickly faded from view

i don’t care if they’re gay/straight/or anything else but don’t be a hypocrite!

[WhatAmIWatching]

23 minutes ago, Joan of Argh said:

they obviously don’t respect handicapped people who legitimately require the assistance of an actual service dog and decided they’d lie and try to pass off their dogs to save themselves some money.

This one to me is the worst. People pulling these types of shenanigans either don't realize, or flat out don't care, that by lying over needing accommodations make it that much harder for folks with legitimate disabilities. It infuriates me! All over not wanting to pay the fee to fly their dogs, they make other people's lives much more difficult.

[Jeanne222]

1 hour ago, Joan of Argh said:

Exactly they love to take umbrage on behalf of they’re latest cause and look down their noses at everyone else but what exactly have they personally done or sacrificed to make a difference?

they obviously don’t respect handicapped people who legitimately require the assistance of an actual service dog and decided they’d lie and try to pass off their dogs to save themselves some money.

they were all hell bent about protecting the bees until that became old news

they were ranting and raving while making up a few backpacks for the homeless but that quickly faded from view

i don’t care if they’re gay/straight/or anything else but don’t be a hypocrite!

Whatever happened with the Yoga???

[MaddyMaeboxerbabe]

Weren’t they just on a relaxation retreat?  They needed to travel to relax and get away from their busy life?  
 

Has there been any yoga postings recently?  

[ginger90]

3 minutes ago, MaddyMaeboxerbabe said:

Has there been any yoga postings recently?  

No there haven’t.

Leon doesn’t post much anymore. They have a private Instagram too, so perhaps that’s  where the posting is being done. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[deirdra]

The Goshute lived in what is now the western portion of Utah and eastern portion of Nevada - Leo's former homes. 

But Leon now lives in Colorado. Google tells me they are on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Ute nations. Why hasn't the land acknowledgement been updated on Leo's IG page?

[iwantcookies]

Why are L and A not moving to NYC?

[TurtlePower]

11 hours ago, Cetacean said:

Well, huge parts of the United States are built on stolen land. The United States has very rarely honored a treaty that they signed.

If Audge and Leon really cared they would find some place that is not a trendy. expensive place to live. They talk big but they never walk the walk.

This. This entire country has been stolen. And Leon does nothing about it, probably hasn’t actually studied it or incorporated it into anything beyond announcing it on their social media. It’s an “I wanna seem woke” move.

Leon really pisses me off, as someone who’s worked with native tribes and lived amongst them. Leon announces this kind of thing on social media but some of us actually lived it, feeling guilt and awkwardness for what happened to those tribes while still maintaining a good working relationship with them. Leon doesn’t get to feel the lack of trust and anger that rightfully still exists within those people. Leon doesn’t feel the heartache upon seeing the tribe’s living conditions (no electricity, no running water). Leon doesn’t do anything except run their big, fat, vegan hotdog-filled mouth. 

[Kellyee]

Quote

If Audge and Leon really cared they would find some place that is not a trendy. expensive place to live. They talk big but they never walk the walk.

They do seem desperate to be in with what's trendy, which contradicts their diatribe about being themselves. Denver is the new "in" place to live, so there they are. I suspect the cost of living will be too expensive long term though. My friend's little brother just moved back to California because rents in Denver keep going up and he can't afford it. His income is possibly similar to what I would imagine Leon and Audrey are making. 

[laurakaye]

"LeoInTheMountains" bugs me.  Not the Leo part, the "in the mountains" part....like the mountains are just another woke accessory that Leo can check off their list.

[iwantcookies]

10 minutes ago, laurakaye said:

"LeoInTheMountains" bugs me.  Not the Leo part, the "in the mountains" part....like the mountains are just another woke accessory that Leo can check off their list.

I picture Leo living in a shack with no indoor plumbing in the mountains based on the screen name . 

[GeeGolly]

Leo in the mountains conjures up Lion King vibes for me. 🤣🦁

[deirdra]

I just watched the movie "Land" yesterday; basically RobinWrightInTheMountains.  It is supposed to be "Wyoming", but it was filmed in my backyard in Alberta.  

Audj's parents live in a Denver suburb, possibly with a pool based on the rainbow unicorn floaties seen in one of their first pics in Colorado.  I wonder if Leo will soon be taking "hiking" photos wearing wedge espadrille clodhoppers, like Meri.

4 hours ago, iwantcookies said:

I picture Leo living in a shack with no indoor plumbing in the mountains based on the screen name . 

That would explain the hair, but I doubt Leo would settle for such primitive accommodations.

[GeeGolly]

Hmmm, I didn't notice Leon's shirt the first time I saw this pic.

This is the caption - 

[Adiba]

26 minutes ago, deirdra said:

I just watched the movie "Land" yesterday; basically RobinWrightInTheMountains.  It is supposed to be "Wyoming", but it was filmed in my backyard in Alberta.  

Audj's parents live in a Denver suburb, possibly with a pool based on the rainbow unicorn floaties seen in one of their first pics in Colorado.  I wonder if Leo will soon be taking "hiking" photos wearing wedge espadrille clodhoppers, like Meri.

That would explain the hair, but I doubt Leo would settle for such primitive accommodations.

I wonder if they, A and L, are living with A's parents? At least on a temporary basis--or has anyone seen pics of their new place?

[Art Of Noiz]

24 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

Hmmm, I didn't notice Leon's shirt the first time I saw this pic.

This is the caption - 

It looks like Audrey has an angry keloid scar under the right clavicle. 😒 

[GeeGolly]

If Leon went open shirt, it makes me think they've been thinking about this privately for a long while now.

[Gramto6]

29 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

If Leon went open shirt, it makes me think they've been thinking about this privately for a long while now.

I expect that is true. Don't know if Leon will go the whole breast removal route. Their choice for sure.

I had a small breast cancer in 2013 could have just had a lumpectomy/radiation/chemo, but since my mom had it and died from the treatments I went double mastectomy, no reconstruction no further treatments needed.  Haven't regretted it it for a minute. I am a she, will always be, but don't miss the breasts. I was not going to wait for the second shoe to drop by keeping any of it.

[Phoebe70]

What does Leo do for a living? Did they graduate? At one point they wanted to be a doctor, and then decided on social work, then yoga instructor. Are they actually working, or living off IG shilling and Meri’s LLR MONEY?  Does Audrey work? I’m honestly curious, not trying to sound sarcastic. 

[Irate Panda]

3 hours ago, Phoebe70 said:

What does Leo do for a living? Did they graduate? At one point they wanted to be a doctor, and then decided on social work, then yoga instructor. Are they actually working, or living off IG shilling and Meri’s LLR MONEY?  Does Audrey work? I’m honestly curious, not trying to sound sarcastic. 

On Leo’s other IG page they has themselves (is this the right word and maybe have not has…sorry my English is not perfect) Anyway they are listed as a writer and teacher on the public index page:

“Leon Brown they/them

queer
student of life
writer + teacher 
on stolen arapahoe & cheyenne land”

Audrey apparently is a graphic designer, I’m not sure what kind of work except for some stuff for Meri’s B&B 🤷🏻‍♀️ 
 

eta: I’m don’t know if Leo ever got their Masters, I’m not sure it was confirmed anywhere.

Edited July 9, 2022 by Irate Panda

[Art Of Noiz]

Are we to call Audrey "they"?

[Art Of Noiz]

The reason I mentioned Audrey's red scar under the clavicle.. it looks like A has had a mastectomy. Some folks get keloid ( red, ropy looking) scars. Some scar neatly. The pic I added shows the surgeon's incision lines. Audrey has had a mastectomy.

Edited July 9, 2022 by Art Of Noiz
Incorrect pronoun

[alt0233]

1 hour ago, Art Of Noiz said:

Are we to call Audrey "they"?

Their Instagram profile lists their pronouns as they/them, so yes!

[Joan of Argh]

7 hours ago, Art Of Noiz said:

The reason I mentioned Audrey's red scar under the clavicle.. it looks like A has had a mastectomy. Some folks get keloid ( red, ropy looking) scars. Some scar neatly. The pic I added shows the surgeon's incision lines. Audrey has had a mastectomy.

Audrey posted about their mastectomy several weeks ago, if you go back several pages it’s there, we discussed it.

Edited July 9, 2022 by Joan of Argh
Pic

[LilyD]

15 hours ago, Art Of Noiz said:

It looks like Audrey has an angry keloid scar under the right clavicle. 😒 

I had a nasty keloid scar after a shoulder injury and a huge one after my first c-section.  My doc told me it’s genetic So with my second I received extra care (special silicone plasters) and a prescription for a very expensive cream. It worked miracles. This cream won’t help if you have a poor hygiene though, you need to be very careful with big surgical wounds as those are prone to infection and then leave horrible scars. I suspect neither has a good personal hygiene routine so that’s not going to help. 

[Tallygirl]

If Leon/Leo was Mariah on the show and past Instagram, why can’t we refer to them as Mariah in the past? Mary never called them Leon on the show.  That’s all very confusing when discussing the past. They were not Leo when the catfishing was going on. Because they were on a show as Mariah, that was their “character”.  🤷‍♀️

Edited July 9, 2022 by Tallygirl

[Ms.Lulu]

2 hours ago, winsomeone said:

So girls can go topless at school in Colorado? And walk down the main street and go to church that way? And work? Glad I don't live there. I sure don't want to see Leon half naked.

No one is allowed to go topless at school, regardless of gender--therefore, no one is discriminated against based on gender.  Churches are private and can decide (they don't generally allow topless people at any church I have attended).  Anyone, regardless of gender, can walk down the street topless.

Think about it as treating everyone the same.  Personally, I'd prefer nobody is topless in public places other than beaches, and i wouldn't mind if everyone wore rash guards. But I appreciate that everyone is treated the same.

Edited July 9, 2022 by Ms.Lulu

[deirdra]

I think that "keloid scar" near Audj's clavicle is actually a second, too-tight necklace and a dark line of dirt on her neck above it in the photo with the long necklace with key.

[Absolom]

I wonder just what Leon is teaching?  Anything besides yoga or is that only historical?  Writer I'm guessing refers to the blog or website.  

[Cetacean]

2 hours ago, Absolom said:

I wonder just what Leon is teaching? 

Her deep, insightful thoughts?  History of stolen lands?  Beekeeping?  How to recognize a catfisher?

[LilyD]

Anyone can call himself a writer.  I’ve come across some amazing writers out here on the forum😉

yoga instruction qualifies as work and both seem to have issues with work. Has Audrey done anything worth mentioning career-wise over the past 2 years that anyone knows of?

Edited July 10, 2022 by LilyD
Deleted bit about size and yoga as I do not want to sound offensive

[Absolom]

30 minutes ago, LilyD said:

Anyone can call himself a writer.

Oh for sure.  I have a bit of a bias. That's why I question what she means. Two of my children write things that are really published and people pay for them.  That's what they do for a living.  One writes fiction and the other non-fiction.  Only one of them uses the description of writer.  

[NoWhammies]

44 minutes ago, LilyD said:

This is not fat-shaming, just looking at it from a very simple and practical point of view.

Except it kind of seems like it, even if not intended that way (and I'm sure you don't mean it that way). Asanas can be modified and supported if needed, and it often isn't needed. Size doesn't preclude one from teaching or practicing yoga, they simply practice it in a way that makes sense for them.

I notice you've mentioned Leon's and Audrey's size a few times. Bodies are bodies. They come in all shapes and sizes. 

Regarding the topless thing...I know at Pride in Seattle, there are topless people. Bottomless people. All kinds of nudity. Which is legal but only really common at Pride. Let me tell you, I've seen some things...

[deirdra]

33 minutes ago, Absolom said:

Oh for sure.  I have a bit of a bias. That's why I question what she means. Two of my children write things that are really published and people pay for them.  That's what they do for a living.  One writes fiction and the other non-fiction.  Only one of them uses the description of writer.  

Which one, the fiction writer?  

[Absolom]

Yes, the fiction writer says he's a writer.  It's the only "job" he's had since grad school.  I put job in quotes because he'd write whether he was paid for the books or not.  

[Ms.Lulu]

23 minutes ago, Absolom said:

Yes, the fiction writer says he's a writer.  It's the only "job" he's had since grad school.  I put job in quotes because he'd write whether he was paid for the books or not.  

It is interesting to me that so many people consider themselves writers without professional experience or education.  Posting on boards and writing for my personal social media accounts doesn't make me a writer.

[deirdra]

1 hour ago, Absolom said:

Yes, the fiction writer says he's a writer.  

I thought so, since I'm a scientist, with published non-fiction books and articles, who has never referred to myself as a "writer".  Apparently only people who make things up think of themselves as "writers".  Has writer Leo started using capital letters or still emulating e. e. cummings?

Edited July 10, 2022 by deirdra

[LilyD]

12 hours ago, NoWhammies said:

Except it kind of seems like it, even if not intended that way (and I'm sure you don't mean it that way).

I’ve deleted part of  my original post as it is indeed not my intention to sound that way.

[winsomeone]

Someone here said a person doesn't have to change their name legally, but just announce to the world what their new name is? I don't think that would work for social security...they want proof of what your name is, like a birth certificate. So if Leon applies for a job, they would have to list their old name on the application form? Then argue with the new employer as to what they would be called? Also. if a person declares that they are now trans, and have no surgery or hormone treatments, how is the world suppose to recognize that they are now different? I just do not understand this? Leon looks the same in pictures as they always did?

[Sandy W]

9 minutes ago, winsomeone said:

Someone here said a person doesn't have to change their name legally, but just announce to the world what their new name is? I don't think that would work for social security...they want proof of what your name is, like a birth certificate. So if Leon applies for a job, they would have to list their old name on the application form? Then argue with the new employer as to what they would be called? Also. if a person declares that they are now trans, and have no surgery or hormone treatments, how is the world suppose to recognize that they are now different? I just do not understand this? Leon looks the same in pictures as they always did?

Not just SS, what about Driver's License?  On my DL, there is a blank where you must identify gender.  As far as I know, there is only M/F designations, perhaps forward thinking communities will allow a T for transsexual?

[BAForever]

Trying hard to keep names and pronouns straight is hard for me. I am good with transgender she to he or vice versa, but the they and them is harder. There was a wonderful poster on Prime timer years ago named "Human" who taught me lots. Human said, for example, Caitlin Jenner who was formerly known as Bruce Jenner was an Olympic gold medal winner. That makes sense to me.  Personally I don't like the term "dead name". I understand why it is used, to signify the end of a former identity and introduce a new one, but it's so harsh. I appreciate the acceptance on this forum of those like me who are allies, but struggle with understanding at times. Leon is so fortunate to have family support. Have Kody and Robyn commented on Leon's announcement on IG? 

18 minutes ago, Sandy W said:

Not just SS, what about Driver's License?  On my DL, there is a blank where you must identify gender.  As far as I know, there is only M/F designations, perhaps forward thinking communities will allow a T for transsexual?

I live in the reddest of states (sob). My state will NEVER offer anything but M or F. 

[Absolom]

12 hours ago, deirdra said:

I thought so, since I'm a scientist, with published non-fiction books and articles, who has never referred to myself as a "writer".  Apparently only people who make things up think of themselves as "writers".  Has writer Leo started using capital letters or still emulating e. e. cummings?

Exactly.  The other child is a scientist who happens to publish and if asked she'd say she's a scientist.  Putting up a blog does not a writer make.  I currently have a blog and have had several previously.  That didn't make me more than a blogger.  I've so far not known of Leon doing more than writing school papers, instagram, or the short-term blog.  Most of us have done as much or more.  I would like to know what both Leon and Audrey are doing for work or to earn money or if they are expecting Meri to support them short or long term.  

[GeeGolly]

If you want to file taxes all legal names have to match (at least in my state). Prior to 9/11 I had my birth name on my SS card and my married named on my license for about 15+ years. The IRS fined me $50 when filing taxes. When 9/11 came happened I was forced to change my SS card name before I could renew my license. 

Similar for my mom. She always, for decades, used her middle name (which she went by) on her license, but again after 9/11 she had to use her first name.

If Leon's not working/filing taxes and doesn't need to renew their license then I guess it doesn't matter now - but it will. But they can casually go by Leon and keep everything else in their legal name for as long they want.

[winsomeone]

Bank accounts would need a legal name too? Our doctor's office requires your listed name be what is on your birth certificate too. I imagine the same with various insurance policies too? And when signing a lease? Other than with family and friends can a person really use a new name?

[NoWhammies]

2 hours ago, winsomeone said:

Someone here said a person doesn't have to change their name legally, but just announce to the world what their new name is? I don't think that would work for social security...they want proof of what your name is, like a birth certificate. So if Leon applies for a job, they would have to list their old name on the application form? Then argue with the new employer as to what they would be called? Also. if a person declares that they are now trans, and have no surgery or hormone treatments, how is the world suppose to recognize that they are now different? I just do not understand this? Leon looks the same in pictures as they always did?

I know many pursue legal name changes. Our daughter did--it's not that complicated. So her name is legal and her dead name only exists on old records. I don't want to use her real name to protect her privacy, but let's say her name is "Megan" and her previous name is "Mark."

When we were first adapting to Megan as her name, I asked our daughter what she wanted us to call her when we discussed her as a child, and she asked that we use her current name. I asked how she felt about having childhood photos around the house, and she said she was fine with it as long as we did it with the understanding she was always Megan, even if she looked like Mark in the photos. 

As a parent, there is definitely a period where you adapt and do the very best you can. There is also a bit of cognitive dissonance and I'd say even a grieving process. Even though we never had an issue with her being Megan and we love her deeply, there's a sense of loss surrounding Mark. It's hard to explain. I think the grief is surrounding a belief or attachment we held to Mark, since the person is clearly still there and very happy. And because she is happy, so are we. 

Edited July 10, 2022 by NoWhammies

[ginger90]

2 hours ago, BAForever said:

Have Kody and Robyn commented on Leon's announcement on IG? 

No. The last time Kody posted was November 2021, to announce “Christine’s decision” to leave. Robyn last posted in March of 2019.

[Ms.Lulu]

15 hours ago, NoWhammies said:

Regarding the topless thing...I know at Pride in Seattle, there are topless people. Bottomless people. All kinds of nudity. Which is legal but only really common at Pride. Let me tell you, I've seen some things...

The Naked Bike Ride.

I have happened upon it several times here in Portland while out and about shopping.  It has a parade feel and people paint their bodies, wear hats and play instruments.

I have always stopped and watched the parade.  Many others do too.  Mostly I marvel that people are comfortable in their own skin and I am happy they are enjoying the sun, the ride and the festivities.  

Nothing about the parade is remotely sexual.

[NoWhammies]

6 minutes ago, Ms.Lulu said:

The Naked Bike Ride.

I have happened upon it several times here in Portland while out and about shopping.  It has a parade feel and people paint their bodies, wear hats and play instruments.

I have always stopped and watched the parade.  Many others do too.  Mostly I marvel that people are comfortable in their own skin and I am happy they are enjoying the sun, the ride and the festivities.  

Nothing about the parade is remotely sexual.

Agreed. I love Seattle Pride. Parking and transportation to it is a nightmare, but it's a blast. 

[BAForever]

23 minutes ago, NoWhammies said:

I know many pursue legal name changes. Our daughter did--it's not that complicated. So her name is legal and her dead name only exists on old records. I don't want to use her real name to protect her privacy, but let's say her name is "Megan" and her previous name is "Mark."

When we were first adapting to Megan as her name, I asked our daughter what she wanted us to call her when we discussed her as a child, and she asked that we use her current name. I asked how she felt about having childhood photos around the house, and she said she was fine with it as long as we did it with the understanding she was always Megan, even if she looked like Mark in the photos. 

As a parent, there is definitely a period where you adapt and do the very best you can. There is also a bit of cognitive dissonance and I'd say even a grieving process. Even though we never had an issue with her being Megan and we love her deeply, there's a sense of loss surrounding Mark. It's hard to explain. I think the grief is surrounding a belief or attachment we held to Mark, since the person is clearly still there and very happy. And because she is happy, so are we. 

Thanks for first hand view. Megan is lucky to have the love and support of her family. I'd like to think I could handle this situation as well as you are. Hugs to all of you. 

[deirdra]

Canadian passports and many provincial DLs  have the choice of M, F or X for gender.

In the US, do the health insurance laws only apply to those with "Obamacare", Medicaid & Medicare?  I seem to recall that private insurance, particularly for some religious organizations, could exclude things like birth control. I recall an article where some insurance plans covered Viagra but not BC pills. 

Edited July 10, 2022 by deirdra