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.

Morons Playing at Monarchy

Donald Trump's lasting legacy of hate

This week, the United States watched the first convicted felon inaugurated as President of the United States. Every American should be in a fit of

Language, Our Story, and Identity

How the words we use change our lives

I love language, the way it evolves, the way it changes. I used to, and still do occasionally, peruse the dictionary, looking up the roots

Transgender Ambivalence

Acceptance, be it internal or external is something we all struggle with in the trans community.

Many decades ago, I devoured every small fragment of information I could about my 'condition.' I was a crossdresser in isolation, without any connection.

Transgender Discrimination in the US Justice System

Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with

The verdict is in, and I may speak freely about the criminal case to which I've alluded over the past few months. I'm angry and

Facing Our Heroic Journey with Allison Stieger

Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!

In this week's episode, we hear the story of humanity in myth with Allison Stieger. Allison is a mythologist, author, speaker, and storyshaper who founded

Trans Thoughts: What Does Choosing Hope Over Hopelessness Mean to You?

I am not here to argue, but rather I hope to share ideas of what choosing hope means to us! I especially want to know what choosing hope means to other people of transgender experience. So, I will begin with my thoughts. It seems easy to spiral downwards right now,

I am not here to argue, but rather I hope to share ideas of what choosing hope means to us! I especially want to

Healing into Congruent Choice with Katharine Lazaruk

Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!

Today's show features Katherine Lazaruk and some hilarious stories! Katherine is a Professional Presence Expert and author of the book “Executive Being: Humanizing Business One

Trump's Hubris: Can Conservatives Overturn Science?

Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with

Trump vowed to define sex and gender in a national policy. Unfortunately, science doesn't bow to a politician. In this live stream, I expose the

Unlearning the Tools of Silence with Lindsay Bindman

Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!

In this episode, a wonderful friend of mine: Lindsay Bindman! Lindsay is an advocate, ally, sailor, and hostess of the "Getting Reflective" podcast, about unlearning

Gender-Affirming Care Breaks Psychotherapy

The earthquake of gender transition releases the Titan inside

I've seen more than my fair share of psychologists and psychiatrists.

As a transgender woman, much of my life was experienced through a clouded window

How Transgender People & Conservatives AGREE on Social Norms

Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with

In this live stream, I talk about how social norms serve humans, not the other way around. Social norms are not natural laws of science.

Breaking Our Personal Narrative with K Anderson

Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!

Today's episode features K Anderson's dry wit and charm. K is a podcaster who hosts the "Lost Spaces" podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

10 Points of Anti-Trans Bias You Can Call Out (More or Less Gently)

Philip N. Cohen calls out anti-trans bias in 10 different ways in his recent essay discussing public reaction to gender-affirming care for youth.

Philip N. Cohen, a sociologist at the University of Maryland, wrote a great essay several days ago. It's called "Are too many children transitioning? That’

Gender-Affirming Self-Care with Matty Hennessey

Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!

Today's episode features Matty Hennessey and his journey within the gender-expansive community. Matty is the Founder, CEO, and Product Designer for Eversense Toys, a sex

Creating My Signature Curves

Realizing the finer points of gender through handwriting

The seeds that blossom into identity take root in the smallest actions.

Last Summer, I suffered a debilitating bout of depression as I realized I

More Transgender Life: Ask Me ANYTHING!

Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with

This past Saturday, I was asked anything about Transgender Life! But I started off talking about gender roles, which are social norms, not natural laws.

Bridging Wisdom across Traditions with Bob Martin

Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!

On the show today, Bob Martin and I talk about Taoism! Bob is a criminal trial lawyer, meditation teacher, and author of the book "I

And I am telling you: LGBTQ+ people are not going back

How's this for clear, brave, balanced authenticity: We won't support politicians who don't represent us.

When people praise us for being trans, they praise us for our authenticity: Our vision of who we truly are, our courage to live it

Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: It's Time to Break My Silence

Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with

I sat on the sidelines about gender-affirming care for minors too long. A friend of mine asked me point-blank what I believe, and given the

Gender Dysphoria for All

You get gender dysphoria! And you get gender dysphoria! And you...and you...

My theory of identity and gender rests on two major pillars.

First, that every human possesses a core set of knowledge about their motivations and