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 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

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