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.
Language: Grammatically Misgendering You Since Birth
Why moving to Finland nets you more than Universal Health Care
What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
William Shakespeare
"Romeo and Juliet" Act 2,
How Politics Obscures the REAL Science behind Sex
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From JK Rowling to online activists, everyone has a take on defining "sex." But the truth is most definitions completely ignore the Scientific Method. In
Re-Enchanted by the Unknown - with Richard Kaczynski
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
This week's episode is a story of science, politics, and ignorance with Dr. Richard Kaczynski. Richard is a psychologist, Thelemite, and author of the book
Discrimination in Society: Why Being Queer Makes Life Harder
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Being Queer is difficult! We face hate and discrimination every day. We are stigmatized by society, which limits our ability to succeed. While conservative rhetoric
Mammas, Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be QUEER!
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Every child deserves the chance to express who they are. But parents often push their children to fulfill their goals, not the child's. I know
Enhancing What Humans Do Better than Technology - with Derek Crager
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features a raw discussion with Derek Crager about the value of AI in human society. Derek Crager is a tech founder, an AI
Great Sex for LIFE! - with Eve Hall
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
This week's episode features a candid conversation about sex with my dear friend Eve Hall. Eve is a physical therapist for sexual wellness and an
Developing as the People We Already Are - with Mary Kathleen Mehuron
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features a story of old-school New Jersey coming-of-age with Mary Kathleen Mehuron. Mary Kathleen is an author, educator, and artist whose most recent
Respect and Humanity on the Campaign Trail '25 - with Erica Deuso
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features the new Mayor of Downingtown, PA, Dr. Erica Deuso. Erica is a scientist, advocate for the marginalized...oh, and the first openly
How Trans-Exclusionary Feminism Will ALWAYS Be Self-Defeating
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Feminism is ideology, not biology. But TERFs (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists) argue for bioessential definitions that reinforce how a patriarchy is established in the first place.
End Self-Sabotage with Discomfort - with Dr. Albert Bramante
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features insight into self-defeating behavior with Dr. Albert Bramante. Albert is a psychology professor, author, talent agent, and hypnotist whose newest book is
Think Trans Women Can't Lactate? Here's How It Happens!
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Anti-transgender activists often claim transgender women can never "truly" be women because we can't lactate. But transgender women can lactate, and there's clinical evidence to
The Mirror of Who We Really Are - with Dr. Stacy Friedman
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
This week's episode features advice on having great sex by Dr. Stacy Friedman. Dr. Stacy is a clinical sexologist, podcaster, and Certified Sex Coach. We
Conservatives LOST the 2025 Elections! (But We Didn't Win)
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This week, conservative politics lost big in the United States. So now everything will be better, right? Not necessarily - we the voters didn't win,
Learning to Step into Our Power - with Tracey Napier
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Tracey Napier's story of shattering early perceptions of limitation to blossom into the Divine Plan. Tracey is an intuitive life coach,
Tuesday Tidbits: Why Community is ESSENTIAL
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A panel to which I contributed last week left me with a few questions about my work. I'm formally planning a Purplepaw Discord server, and
Curiosity Is Always Appropriate - with Anne Gillaspie
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Anne Gillaspie's raw story of hitting bottom, finding purpose, and reclaiming who she is. Anne is a Brand Therapist, podcaster, and Worshiper
Is Being Transgender "Unnatural?"
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Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and a social media post reminded me of science's tendency to bend the natural toward the unnatural. And yet, evolution indicates
How the Atlanta Pride Festival Taught Me Strength
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I spent the weekend at the Atlanta Pride Festival and learned some really important lessons about what's happening in the world. Let's talk about them
The Opposite of Symptoms - with Dr. Jeff Feinman
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Dr. Jeff Feinman and his Whole-istic approach to veterinary medicine. Dr. Jeff is a veterinarian as well as a Whole-istic connector and