Welcome to The Purplepaw Blog, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).
Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this space is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.
Strength is about Being Seen with Koby Falks
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In this episode, we hear Koby Falks's story of finding authenticity and strength by challenging toxic masculine stereotypes. Koby is an adult content creator, entrepreneur
Trump's Gender Review: The Anti-Science Presidency
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Trump demanded a review of gender-affirming care data - his version of the Cass Review - but violates every characteristic of good science. Not surprisingly,
The Truth about the US Government Trump Conveniently Ignores
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I received a comment telling me Trump is the law of the land. Despite Trump himself stating that in interviews, he ignores the truth of
Clearing Triggers Through Forgiveness with Katharine Giovanni
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today we hear a story of pain and forgiveness from Katharine Giovanni. Katharine is a three-time award-winning, best-selling author; speaker; and forgiveness and transformation coach
Stepping Cognitive Bias Back to Move Gender Theory Forward
When our theories of the Universe limit our observations of its diversity
Not long ago, I discussed magic and its relationship to a fully realized identity.
Several colleagues of mine questioned my topic: why am I -
Queering the Future: How to Keep the Rainbow Inclusive
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Today there are many ways to spell the acronym, but the Queer community must stay inclusive as attacks from all sides threaten more than just
Embracing Our Full Humanity with Pepper Kat
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
This week, I chat with Pepper Kat about Western society's difficulty in embracing physicality and sexuality. Pepper is an adult entertainer and podcaster who
Dreaming Together, Waking Into a New World
Living real life with other beautiful and functional dreamers
You've likely heard the phrase "I think, therefore I am." It comes from the philosopher René Descartes who began using it in 1637. People tracing
The Lack of Science Behind "Biological Women"
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
The phrase "biological woman" gets thrown around in any discussion about transgender people. Does this phrase have any meaning scientifically? In this live stream, I
Attract Your Tribe by Being You with Leah Spasova
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
My guest this week is Leah Spasova, a psychologist, sex and relationships expert, and Founder of the website lifesexplicit.com, which provides resources for exploring
Body Modification and the Queer Community
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I recently got another nose piercing, which inspired me to talk about how body modification played a role in my Queer journey. But when I
Sex, Gender, and Magic
Our greatest change is born from the spaces between
Last week, I attended Paganicon 2025. As a gathering for Pagan practitioners and those seeking to explore their spiritual practice, Paganicon drew magical practitioners from
Love Your Life in Mind Maps with John Diggs
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In today's episode, we hear John Diggs's story of distilling wisdom and personal insight using Mind Maps. John is a Mappineering Mentor, retired NFL and
Misgendering: Why Names and Pronouns Are Important
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Recent political attacks on personal pronouns and identity don't show a shift in United States ideology. They show only a lack of respect and understanding
Returning to Our Tribe After Gender Transition
I thought I finished transition, but my work has only begun
Previously, I discussed the dramatic psychological growth I experienced during gender transition, especially after gender-affirming surgery. All it took was acknowledging I am transgender and
Mermaids, Witches, and Fairies with Mhara Starling
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In this episode is Mhara Starling's truly amazing magical journey of gender and self-acceptance. Mhara is a Welsh witch, spiritual leader, and author of the
Growing Up Transgender: Pain in Childhood Should Not Be Normal
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Growing up transgender means facing pain - possibly on a daily basis. Today, that's normal, but it should not be. Children must be encouraged to
Discovering Our Princess of Light through Hypnosis with Deane Benninghoven
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Deane Benninghoven's stories of subconscious symbolism. Deane is a certified hypnotherapist and hypnosis instructor who helps everyday people overcome everyday problems. Deane
Sex, Gender, and Sexuality: The Ultimate Guide
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Conservative anti-LGBTQ rhetoric demands sex assigned at birth dictate gender and sexuality, but human behavior is more complicated. Our internal and external sense of Beauty
Distinguishing Gender by Utility to Humans
Moments to allow "cis" and "trans" into my vocabulary
Long before I posted video content on YouTube or TikTok, I wrote an article explaining my distaste for the words "trans" and "transgender." The former