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.
Review of Gender Theory and Transgender Traits
Collecting all my thoughts in one convenient place
Over the last ten months, I published more than 70 articles detailing my experience transitioning gender from man to woman, including research on the biology,
Barbie, Music for Minors, and Cisgender Dysphoria: The Dingbat Diaries - 04 Aug 2023
When you can't get enough Dingbattitude in your life
Hi, Kittycats! This is The Dingbat Diaries for the week of August 4th, 2023:
- What in the world makes "Barbie" such a controversial movie?
Why Are You? Episode 18 — Reading "I Cried for 'Barbie'"
The podcast that still dares to ask why you are who you are
Today's episode comes from an article I wrote this week after seeing the movie "Barbie." In short, I loved it, and I cried. My article
I Cried for “Barbie”
There is a theme worth viewing beyond all the pink
NOTE: MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD.
Today I went to see the “Barbie” movie. I watched the glitter and the glamor, the dancing and the singing. I
Why Are You? — Episode 17 with Shannara
The podcast that still dares to ask why you are who you are
In this episode, we meet Shannara, one of the wackiest - and most wonderful - women I know. Shannara and I have a serious discussion
Shapewear, Aliens, and The Boost: The Dingbat Diaries - 27 July 2023
When you can't get enough Dingbattitude in your life
Hi, Kittycats! Today on The Dingbat Diaries, I discuss:
- Medium's new Partner Plan for August 2023
- How I finally found shapewear that suits
The Quest to Make Transgender Normal
What difference exists between Christians and transgender people?
My last article posed the theory in which gender acts as a mediator between our origin of identity and our social environment. Each of us
Why Are You? — Episode 16 with Robin
The video version of the podcast that asks why you are who you are
In this episode, we meet Robin - a sincere seeker of humanity and the truth. Robin and I discuss such scintillating topics as doing time
The Dingbat Diaries Weekly - 20 July 2023
When you can't get enough Dingbattitude in your life
Hi, Kittycats! Today on the Dingbat Weekly, I talk about my newest article detailing my gender theory, "Gender as Mediator," but also how I ended
Gender as Mediator between the Origin of Identity and Social Environment
Between “Why” and “Who” lies “How”
Previously, I described gender and gender dysphoria as universal human experiences. That is, every human must develop gender and does so by expressing gender characteristics
Why Are You? — Episode 15 with Nanie
Another dang episode of the podcast that is willing to ask you why you made the choices you did
Today I am elated to announce my interview with Nanie Hurley 🌿! I’ve known Nanie only a short time, but she has quickly emerged as
The Dingbat Diaries Weekly - 13 July 2023
When you can't have too much Dingbattitude in your life
This is the first in a series of discussions I have with myself about what I thought about in the past week. Today I talk
Biblical Misinterpretation as a Weapon against the LGBTQ Community
Is the Christian God truly concerned about my skirt?
In a recent article, I discussed an email I received from an ex-friend of mine. He wrote what I named “Biblical misquotes and pharmaceutical conspiracy
Why Are You? — Episode 14 with Saoirse
The 14th Episode of the podcast that just asks why you are who you are
Today I am very excited to publish my discussion with Saoirse! She and I have been good friends for lifetimes, I’m sure, and we
Happy Birthday to Me: Lessons Learned from One Year of Gender Transition
Life as a woman has been very good to me
07 July 2023 marked the first anniversary in my gender transition. By the time I reached puberty in the 1980s, I was aware I needed
Transgender People of the World, Unite!
Because gender is not a commodity, either
Recently, I came across an article with the word “truscum” in the title. I won’t link to the article; just reading that word irritates
Why Are You? — Episode 13 (👻) with Molly
The Spoopy Episode 13 of the podcast that asks why you choose to be who you are
Today I am so excited to announce a conversation with Molly Miller! Molly is a true professional and spoke to me about mental health and
The Unbearable Burden of Nonbeing
Because you can’t not be on a boat — all you can be is not on boats
Life is difficult. Unfortunately, living our lives is made more difficult by the sheer volume of other people trying to live their lives right next
Why Are You? — Episode 12 with Lilith
Episode 12 of the podcast that asks one question: why do you choose to be who you are?
I am absolutely ecstatic to publish this interview with the World Famous Lilith Helstrom. I was honored to be able to talk with Lilith about
Does Gender Dysphoria Make You Transgender?
In a world filled with misinformation, let’s at least fix one of them
In public discussion about gender — particularly transgender — neither side appears capable of making a compelling argument.
On the anti-LGBTQ side, the argument centers on insisting