You’ve probably seen the evolution of the Brown family over more than a decade of Sister Wives. It’s been a wild ride. From the early days in Lehi to the move to Vegas and the eventually fractured Flagstaff era, we’ve watched the kids grow up in real-time. But if you’re looking into Meri sister wives daughter, you’re actually looking for Leon Brown.
Leon is Meri’s only biological child. For years, viewers watched Leon navigate the pressures of being the "only child" in a household that was—by definition—crowded with siblings. It wasn’t always easy. Growing up in the spotlight of a fundamentalist Mormon background while your parents are polygamy icons adds a layer of complexity most people can't even fathom.
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Growing Up as Meri’s Only Child
Leon was born in 1995. Back then, the show wasn't even a glimmer in TLC’s eye. Leon grew up in the thick of the family’s spiritual journey, often appearing as one of the more "pious" children in the early seasons. They were vocal about wanting to live plural marriage themselves. Remember those episodes? Leon was adamant about following in Kody’s footsteps.
But things change. People grow.
Meri and Leon’s relationship has had some serious high-stakes drama. We can’t talk about Leon without mentioning the 2015 catfishing scandal. It nearly tore the family apart. Meri was caught in an online emotional affair with someone she thought was a man named "Sam," who turned out to be a female prankster. Leon saw the red flags early. They tried to warn Meri. When the truth came out, the rift between mother and daughter stayed wide open for a long time. It was painful to watch because you could see the "I told you so" written all over Leon's face in every scene.
The Coming Out Journey
In 2017, a huge shift happened. During an episode of Sister Wives, Leon came out as gay to their family. It was a massive moment for TLC. The reactions were mixed, mostly because of the religious weight the family carries. Kody and the wives were visibly shocked, but generally supportive on camera.
Meri, specifically, struggled. Not because she didn't love Leon, but because she had to mourn the "future" she had imagined for her only child—the traditional wedding, the specific path she’d envisioned. It took therapy. It took time. Honestly, it took a lot of awkward conversations that played out for millions of people to see.
Leon Brown’s Gender Identity and Transition
Fast forward to June 2022. This was the biggest update for fans of Meri sister wives daughter. Leon took to Instagram to announce they are transgender and non-binary. They shared that they use they/them pronouns.
"Someone recently told me that I didn’t have to have all of my s--- figured out in order to share myself with the world," Leon wrote. It was a vulnerable, raw post. They explained that they never felt like "one of the girls" and that finally embracing their trans identity allowed them to feel at peace.
Since then, Leon has undergone top surgery. They’ve been very open about the joy of finally feeling "at home" in their body. It’s a far cry from the teenager we saw in the early seasons of the show.
Relationship with Audrey Kriss
You can’t talk about Leon’s life without Audrey. They met at Westminster College. Audrey has been a rock for Leon throughout the entire transition process. Interestingly, Audrey also came out as transgender and non-binary.
The two got married in a private ceremony in October 2023. They didn't do a big TLC-televised wedding like many of the other Brown siblings (think Aspyn or Mykelti). Instead, they opted for a courthouse wedding in Colorado. It felt very "them"—low-key, authentic, and away from the cameras that defined their childhood.
Where Does Leon Stand with the Family Now?
This is where things get a bit murky. The Brown family is, frankly, a mess right now. With the split of Christine, Janelle, and eventually Meri from Kody, the family dynamic is fractured.
Leon seems to keep a healthy distance from the show's drama. While some siblings like Gwendlyn or Mykelti have stayed active in the "fandom" via Patreon or YouTube, Leon has largely stepped back. They live a quiet life in Colorado.
As for Meri? The relationship seems to be in a much better place. Meri has been incredibly vocal on social media about supporting Leon. She’s clapped back at trolls who leave hateful comments about Leon’s transition. It’s a 180-degree turn from the tension of the catfishing years. Meri might have lost her marriage to Kody, but she clearly hasn't lost her bond with her child.
Handling the Spotlight
Growing up on reality TV is a recipe for trauma. We’ve seen it with the Duggars, the Gosselins, and now the Browns. Leon is one of the kids who seems to have prioritized mental health over "clout."
They don't post for engagement. They don't do sponsored ads for "tummy teas" or random products. Their online presence is focused on social justice, trans rights, and their life with Audrey.
- Privacy: They rarely film for the show anymore.
- Advocacy: Use their platform for LGBTQ+ visibility.
- Independence: They’ve built a life entirely separate from the "Sister Wives" brand.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
There is a lot of noise online. If you spend five minutes in a Sister Wives Reddit thread, you’ll see some wild theories. Let’s clear a few things up.
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First, Leon isn't "estranged" from everyone. While they may not be at every single family graduation or birthday—especially given the distance and the sheer number of siblings—they still maintain connections. They were recently seen at family events, including the heartbreaking funeral services for their brother Garrison in 2024.
Second, Leon’s transition wasn't "for the show." In fact, the most significant parts of their transition have happened off-camera. They’ve been very selective about what they share, which suggests a desire for genuine living rather than a storyline.
The Impact on the Show's Legacy
Sister Wives started as a defense of "traditional" polygamy. It was supposed to show that this lifestyle could work. Instead, it showed the slow-motion collapse of a family. But Leon’s story provides a different kind of legacy.
They represent a bridge between the rigid, religious world Kody tried to build and the modern, inclusive world the younger generation is actually living in. Leon, along with siblings like Gwendlyn (who is also queer), has forced the family—and the viewers—to confront their biases.
It’s easy to judge from the couch. It’s harder to navigate that stuff when it’s your own life.
Moving Forward
If you're following Leon's journey, the best place to do it is through their infrequent but meaningful social media updates. They continue to live in Colorado with Audrey and their dogs. They are focusing on their education and their career, largely staying out of the "reality star" lane.
Meri remains their biggest cheerleader. After leaving Kody and moving her life primarily to Utah to run her B&B, Lizzie’s Heritage Inn, Meri has more freedom to visit Leon and Audrey. The two are often seen in Meri’s "Fridays with Friends" livestreams—well, Leon isn't usually in them, but Meri mentions them with a lot of pride.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
Watching the Brown family can be a lesson in resilience. If you're looking for ways to support Leon or simply understand the situation better, here’s how to approach it:
- Respect the Pronouns: Leon has been clear about using they/them. Even if you’re used to the old seasons, using the correct pronouns is a basic sign of respect.
- Separate the Child from the Parent: Leon isn't responsible for Kody’s choices or Meri’s past mistakes. They are an adult with their own identity.
- Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: If Leon’s story has moved you, consider looking into groups like PFLAG or The Trevor Project, which help families navigating similar coming-out journeys.
- Look Beyond the Edit: TLC is famous for "franken-biting" and dramatic editing. What we see on Sunday nights is a tiny, often distorted fraction of their actual lives.
The story of Meri sister wives daughter is ultimately one of self-discovery. Leon Brown went from a kid who wanted to be a polygamist wife to an adult who is a proud, trans non-binary individual living their truth. It’s a transformation that mirrors the messy, complicated, and ultimately human reality of the entire Brown family. They aren't just characters on a screen; they’re people trying to figure out who they are in a very weird world.