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.

The Neverending Story of Transgender

Life without a ramalamadingdong

I am a very special person. I am transgender. When I was born, a doctor inspected my anatomy and came to a conclusion about identity

06 October 2023 - Observations on Feminism with Kendra Koch

Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!

Today's episode is about feminism. My friend Kendra and I muse on Western society and feminism's role in it.

REFERENCES:
Dreamers & Doers: https://www.

Identity and the Division of Labor

You scratch my parts, I'll scratch yours

In my introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS), I closed with Richard Schwartz's statement that there are no bad parts. That statement is at the

October 2023 Member Participation

What's on your mind that needs answering?

It's October 2023, which means it's time to begin a new tradition. I love it when I get to talk directly to the people I

Why Are You? - Episode 23 with Morgaine

The video version of the podcast that asks why you are who you are

In this episode, we meet Morgaine (no, a different one!) whose education in Ancient Mediterranean History turns out to be some of the most fascinating

Shaking the Foundation of Identity

When major reconstruction is better than living in ignorance

Previously, I compared the pressure of gender dysphoria to the Yellowstone Caldera. As I navigated the eruption that resulted in me transitioning gender, I expected

Secret Agent

I intuitively knew my gender as a child, as early as 2-3 years old. I am certain of this today for many reasons, but what stands out to me most at the moment are the memories of my mother gently correcting any behaviors she thought too effeminate. How she proudly

I intuitively knew my gender as a child, as early as 2-3 years old. I am certain of this today for many reasons, but what

The Black Cauldron of Transgender

An unplanned trip to Annwfn to meet my personal Arawn.

A good friend of mine - also a transgender woman, but currently unable to transition - sent me a surprising message. She apologized for not

Are Trans People Asking For Too Much?

I wrote a feminist article recently that included some information in it about makeup artists. I didn't even think about it, but one of the makeup artists was Nikki Tutorials and because she is a trans woman, some people took issue with me including her and voiced this

I wrote a feminist article recently that included some information in it about makeup artists. I didn't even think about it, but one of the

Why Are You? - Episode 22 with Sabene

The video version of the podcast that asks why you are who you are

In this show, I speak with Sabene - an artist in the true sense whose love for the craft shows in everything she does. Sabene

07 September 2023 - Mental Health and the LGBTQ Community

When you can't get enough Dingbattitude in your life

This episode is the beginning of what is to become Gender Identity Weekly - my existing Dingbat Diaries idea, but engaging other contributors to Gender

Bearing Responsibility for the Transgender Community

Is it enough to care only for ourselves?

I wrote previously about the responsibility transgender people bear for the rest of society. Before we transition gender and make our true selves public, we

31 August 2023 - Being Blonde, Female, and Depressed

When you can't get enough Dingbattitude in your life

On the program today:

  • Why I missed the Dingbat Diaries video for last week
  • A response to an article that explained my absence last week

Writing My Transgender Life

Forcing my thoughts to change by leaving my comfort zone

The past weeks seem filled with incessant talking. I talked with a new friend, our conversation honest and easy. I talked long into the night

To Bear Responsibility is Transgender

To err is the rest of society

I had a discussion recently about the pain in my life - perhaps even the pain of being transgender. My friend commented I hadn't really

All Except for My Parts

A broken love story

I met a woman. She is a Dark Lady. Her features are not altogether dark, but who she is remains dark to me. She is

New Web Site, Haterade, and D&D: 18 August 2023

When you can't get enough Dingbattitude in your life

On the program today, I talk about these fabulous topics:
- I launched the new web site I've talked about for a month
- I

Why Are You? - Episode 20 with Ari

The video version of the podcast that asks why you are who you are

In this show, we meet Ari - a writer and editor whose healing energy inflames her fiction. Ari and I talk about hate on the

Why Are You? — Episode 19 with Morgan

The video version of the podcast that asks why you are who you are

In this episode, we meet Morgan - a hilarious, irreverent and vibrant woman...whom I ask to picture herself in the pirate's life. Morgan and

Gender and Voice with Kevin Dorman: 10 August 2023

When you can't get enough Dingbattitude in your life

Hi, Kittycats! This is The Dingbat Diaries for the week of August 10th, 2023, which features Kevin Dorman of Prismatic Speech Services:

  • What is gender-affirming