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.
Practical Advice for the Newly Transgender
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Coming to terms with being transgender is difficult enough, even without social pressure from friends, family, and employers. Throw in the expense of medical treatment,
Science Doesn't Need Queer Theory
Scientists need to remember their roots are in observation, not conclusion
I read an article recently that congealed many disparate thoughts I had over the past year into a coherent foundation for future work. That doesn't
Information Is Not Transformation with Gao Motsemme
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features a fascinating discussion of psychic energy with Gao Motsemme. An African Quantum Witchdoctor and Psychic Surgeon, Gao's work teaches us how to
The Unexpected Peace of Gender-Affirming Surgery
How losing small parts of myself helped me gain vast insight into humanity
On 11 July 2024, I received gender-affirming surgery at Yanhee International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.
Although I never wanted to go to Thailand for surgery,
Given Regret Stories, Why Bother Transitioning at All?
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
There are transgender people who regret their gender transition, including surgery and hormone replacement therapy. Some even go so far as to detransition.
Given this
Choosing What You Won't Regret
Ask 'Will I regret not taking this step?' and feel confident you're making the best choice for yourself.
Thirteen years ago, as entry #71 for The Rumpus's advice column "DEAR SUGAR," Cheryl Strayed wrote "The Ghost Ship That Didn’t Carry Us." That
The Liminal Spaces of Humanity with Dr. Redfern Jon Barrett
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In today's episode, I have a delightful chat with Dr. Redfern Jon Barrett. Redfern is a writer, journalist, and activist who recently published "Proud Pink
Speak Truth to Power with Catherine Stagg-Macey
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features the amazing Catherine Stagg-Macey. Catherine is an Executive Coach, hostess of the podcast Unsaid @ Work, and finder of lost mojo. We discuss
The Last Self-Help Advice I Ever Needed
What would you pay to have a life with all your dreams unfulfilled?
My psychiatrist shook my hand as I left his office for the last time. Within two years of scoffing "people like [me] don't get off
Will My Magic Change as I Transition Gender? with Josephine McCarthy
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In this episode, I have an enchanting conversation with Josephine McCarthy. Josephine is an esoteric author and the Director of Quareia, a free, online, magical
The Connection Between Gender and Sexuality: A Personal Journey
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Far from being two separate causes, marriage equality and access to gender-affirming care must both be protected from conservative rhetoric. But some in the LGBTQ
People have been mad about 'cisgender' since at least 2007
If someone wants a world where no one is marked as cis, they must simultaneously fight for a world where no one is marked as trans.
The word transsexual first appeared in the 1920s in German, then the 1940s in English. It was coined by male sexologists who weren't themselves trans.
Amethysta and the Child of Destiny
When doing the right thing is still wrong
And...there's a penis. I'm a baby boy!
The words rang in my ears. A boy?
That was wrong. Obviously wrong. One hundred percent erroneous,
Trauma is a Gift for Growth
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In today's episode, I speak with Sara Webb, a Resilience Coach who specializes in breakup and meditation therapy. Sara and I talk about topics as
Trans Exiteration
I hear an -iteration with an ex- on it. I'm bad at moving forward. I'm a hanger-on to the past.
More than once, I've written my way through a narrow, thorny place.
I've narrated a life shift on the printed page. I continue to do
Can We Ever Abolish Gender?
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Many in the LGBTQ community propose abolishing gender entirely. Is this possible? Would it address the real problem, or is language the servant of society
Will I Lose My Self after Gender-Affirming Surgery?
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
In media today, we hear plenty about gender. Gender is a social construct. Gender is derived from physical organs. Join Ami as she questions the
The Meaning Is in the Experience
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In this episode, I speak with Andrea Leigh about saying "yes" to experiences. Andrea is a high-impact coach, fashionista, and Co-Host on Thriving Women Network
What Is a Woman?
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
In media today, we hear plenty about gender. Gender is a social construct. Gender is derived from physical organs. Join Ami as she questions the
Finding My Femininity Only to Lose It
Humans must balance the masculine and feminine - or suffer the consequences
Who are we, really?
Is identity based in our job? Our clothes? Our hair? Is identity derived from our family's legacy - noble or otherwise?