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.
I Am a Much Better Father as a Woman
Being yourself will always be better than who you are not
We celebrate Father’s Day today in the United States. It is a day to consume wings and beer, make Dad Jokes, and enshrine the
Why Are You? — Episode 11 with Michelle
Episode 11 of that one podcast that dares to ask why you choose to be who you are
I am very excited to publish my discussion with Michelle, a tremendous podcaster in her own right as well as a hilarious friend. We talk
Fixing the Fallacy in Anti-LGBTQ Arguments about Gender
Biology is not the final word in gender and sexuality
In my last article, I described the primary issue with anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, which centers around misuse of the word “sex.” Biology gives a strict definition
Stand Your Pride Up
Don’t mess around with the girl in purple
I got a bit angry recently. No, that statement is nowhere near forceful enough to be accurate.
I was 100%, Pure-D, Pissed Off, Transgender-Bitch-on-a-Rampage kind
Why Are You? — Episode 10 with Bianca
The tenth episode of the interview podcast specifically designed to ask why you choose to be who you are
Today I am pleased to publish an interview with Bianca, a woman who had a tremendous impact on my lifer when I began gender transition.
The Compelling, Fallacious Argument Underlying Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric
Language is a fine tool until politicians and religious leaders get involved
In a previous article, I stated I was not proud to be transgender, because I did not earn how I view myself from inside. That
I Am Not Proud to Be Transgender
I am simply transgender
Today — June 1 — marks the beginning of Pride Month 2023, a nebulous period both for those in the rainbow community as well as out.
For
Transgender Trial and Error: One Year Later
We try, we fail, we try again — because we must
I celebrated my 16th wedding anniversary this past weekend. When I awakened, I didn’t remember my anniversary immediately. I checked my phone, and my
Why Are You? — Episode 8 with Fiona
Episode the Eighth of the podcast that asks why you choose to be the person you are
After delays and technical difficulties, I am so pleased to publish this interview with my dear friend Fiona Evangeline Leigh! Together, we find the meaning
Should We Know Our Gender Implicitly?
How much knowledge of the Self can be reasonably expected from a US Citizen?
Now that the Great Cake Topper Cleaving of 2023 is in the past, I reflected back on something I said to my wife while crying
Why Are You? — Sirona Ryan Should Just Be a Woman
Is it so difficult to represent transgender people as people?
Below is a podcast I created in response to a video I saw by Claire of Seattle Voice Lab regarding Sirona Ryan — a transgender woman
Changing My Transgender Oil
My tires seem all right, but I have a rattle when I get over about 60 MPH
I joke frequently about my big butt — transgender hormone therapy has been very kind to me. Typical changes from estrogen therapy include breast development and
Hooded Eyes and the Transgender Existential Question
A case where the eyes do not have it and can’t get it
I read a book yesterday about hooded eyes. Those not cursed with the affliction possess eyelids that span from lash line to eyebrow in an
Why Are You? — Episode 7 with amélie
The seventh episode of the interview podcast that asks why you became who you are
Ooh, I’m so pleased to publish this episode of the “Why Are You?” interview podcast! In this episode, I speak with activist, teacher, and
I Apologize for My Existence
This time, I mean it slightly differently — bear with me.
I published an article last night in which I begged people for compliments. I asked shamelessly for the reasons people like me. I was hurting
I Struggle to Feel Valuable — Please Help Me
In a world full of beauty, I remain a goat — and not in the good way
New siding is being installed on our house this week, and I sense my life falling to pieces. Technically, only my wedding cake topper fell
Why Are You? — Episode 6 with Jill
And…another episode of the podcast that dares to ask why you choose to be who you are
I’m very excited to publish this episode of the “Why Are You?” interview podcast! In this episode, I speak with Dancer, Alexander Technique teacher,
The Artist’s Way Should Be Required Reading for Gender Dysphoria
How two simple tools can alleviate many troubles in our lives
As I work my way through Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way,” I continue to wonder at the simplicity of the tools: Morning Pages
Will Relationships Change After Gender Transition?
In becoming who we are, we’re bound to piss off a few people.
A friend of mine celebrated a birthday recently. Even though I tend to downplay my birthday, I enjoy making others feel special on theirs. As
Why Are You? — Episode 5 with Sieran
Yet another episode of the podcast that dares to ask why you choose to be who you are
I am pleased to announce episode 5 of the “Why Are You?” interview podcast! My conversation with Sieran Lane has some profound thought into how