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.
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
The Big Problems — Post-Gender Transition Edition
I have Big Problems, and you should, too.
In November, 2022, I wrote a list of Big Problems. But I don’t mean the Big Problems involved in completing my gender transition.
I
The Vegas Transgender Affirmation Project
I thought it was just a vacation…it turned out to be an education.
At the risk of writing what may appear to be a travel diary, I will recount the events of the past weekend. Not because the
Why Are You? — Episode 4 with Rae
Episode the fourth of the podcast that dares to ask why you choose to be who you are
Announcing episode 4 of the “Why Are You?” interview podcast! My conversation with Rae has some great beautiful insight into sound, voice, and how they
How I Hate the Word “Trans”
For a chemist, I sure seem to get confused easily
Today I read a news article discussing the ongoing debate about “trans” people. The word “trans” has become common parlance in the media to indicate
Why Are You? — Episode 3 with Zach
Episode 3 of the podcast that dares to ask why you choose to be who you are
Announcing episode 3 of the “Why Are You?” interview podcast! My conversation with Zach has some great heartwarming moments from a lovely human being.
REFERENCES:
Why Are You? — Episode 2 with Shannon
The second episode of the podcast that dares to ask why you choose to be who you are
Here is episode 2 of the “Why Are You?” interview podcast! My conversation with Shannon has some very deep thoughts…and a few good jokes!
Transgender Meh: Finishing Before I Was Done
Gender transition is a long process, although not for the reasons I thought.
A rather ordinary event occurred this week: I received an amended birth certificate from the State of California. It took almost five months, but I
Why Are You? — Episode 1 with Cypress
The first episode of the podcast that dares to ask why you choose to be who you are
I am absolutely ecstatic to bring Episode 1 of the “Why Are You?” interview podcast to you.
My interview with Cypress is both informative and