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.
Death of a Name: On Trans People, Transition, and Integration
I had to go to the courthouse today.
No, not for that — I filed my petition for a legal name change. I mentioned previously that choosing a fancy name is one of the
Taking a Shower: Identity and Insight into Gender and Sexuality Spectra
I got a nice surprise this morning.
Not because of the “taking a shower” part — I do that at least occasionally — but an insight that occurred during the act of showering. I
I Am a Transgender Harry Potter Fan
You may be surprised to hear this…
There is a rather large backlash raging against J.K. Rowling right now. Or maybe you aren’t surprised to hear this because you are
Gender Roles in the Context of Society
In a conversation with Lauren Miller last week, I asked a question about the relationship between where she and I have grown up and our identification as transgender. (For reference, I grew up in the US; Lauren will have to say where she did in the comments.) Truth be told,
In a conversation with Lauren Miller last week, I asked a question about the relationship between where she and I have grown up and our
On Sex, Gender, and the Origin of Thought
Recently, Kitty Whitemore published an article with a response asking whether her “internal narrator” “change[d] from masculine to feminine” as she transitioned from presenting as a man to presenting as a woman. She has since published a more complete response to this question with her opinion on how her
Recently, Kitty Whitemore published an article with a response asking whether her “internal narrator” “change[d] from masculine to feminine” as she transitioned from presenting
Earning my Warrior Name
In the article “Feral Cats Make Me a Better Woman,” I discussed the Warriors series of books as an allegory for human life in general, and the transgender experience in particular. I will be using terminology introduced in that article here, and if you find yourself immediately confused, it might
In the article “Feral Cats Make Me a Better Woman,” I discussed the Warriors series of books as an allegory for human life in general,
Feral Cats Make Me a Better Woman
My son discovered a series of books in the past year. In the United States, the series is called Warriors; it originated in the UK from several authors publishing under the pseudonym Erin Hunter. The official web site is here; you can read more about the series here. My son
My son discovered a series of books in the past year. In the United States, the series is called Warriors; it originated in the UK
The Reflection
Before I jump into what I have named The Reflection, I want to summarize some of the points that I have tried to make so far. The first major point is the distinction between sex and gender. Although genetics has been well studied, the human genome defines only physical characteristics,
Before I jump into what I have named The Reflection, I want to summarize some of the points that I have tried to make so
Changes to Cognition Due to Hormone Therapy
In the last article, I promised to discuss how my cognition — my thoughts, emotions, and methodology of observing the world around me — have changed since I began Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in July, 2022. I was surprised by how rapidly inner changes occurred. I still experience revelations regularly, which has
In the last article, I promised to discuss how my cognition — my thoughts, emotions, and methodology of observing the world around me — have changed since
The Horrors of Coming Out
Dear Reader, I would like to come out to you. I voted for Ross Perot in 1992. Yeah…it’s true. In fact, I voted for him again in 1996. My father told me that I was responsible for electing Bill Clinton, whom he despised. My opinion was that Perot
Dear Reader, I would like to come out to you. I voted for Ross Perot in 1992. Yeah…it’s true. In fact, I voted
Psychology and Gender
In the article “Genetics and Gender,” the title ties together the scientific study of genetics with the less obvious word gender. At the conclusion, however, I deferred discussion of gender to another article. I admit that there was a “clickbait-y” aspect to the title; I apologize for toying with your
In the article “Genetics and Gender,” the title ties together the scientific study of genetics with the less obvious word gender. At the conclusion, however,
Why Are There So Many Transgender People in Technology?
I have a quickie thought that I wanted to get out of my head since three completely unrelated conversations recently led me to reconsider something that I had assumed to be a foregone conclusion. I promise there will be no science, no footnotes, and little actual content. That can come
I have a quickie thought that I wanted to get out of my head since three completely unrelated conversations recently led me to reconsider something
Genetics and Gender
My last article was only an introduction and didn’t carry much substance with it. I hope to rectify that with this article. Strap yourself in, because I’m about to dispense a whole lot of science. Bear with me on this for just a bit; I have a purpose
My last article was only an introduction and didn’t carry much substance with it. I hope to rectify that with this article. Strap yourself
The Journey Begins…
Three months ago today — 07 July, 2022 — I applied my first estradiol patch and began my gender transition from presenting as a man to presenting as a woman. Three months ago, I would never have believed that the changes that I experienced could be possible in my life. When I
Three months ago today — 07 July, 2022 — I applied my first estradiol patch and began my gender transition from presenting as a man to presenting