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.

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

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