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 Effect of Physical Appearance on Identity
Discovering the inner through change of the outer
In 1994, I moved from Southern California to Northeast Georgia.
I had little desire to relocate; I didn't move for fun or profit. Instead, I
The Biology of Gender: What Does Science REALLY Say?
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Both sex and gender are well-defined terms used by biologists. But politicians and religious leaders have warped these terms for their gain. Today we face
Strength in Our Weakness with Eric Gee
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features a story of what can go right when you don't like school. Eric Gee is an author, a writing and life coach,
From Flower Maiden to Owl Face: A Transgender Allegory
The lesson Welsh myth teaches about identity
The Collective Unconscious is Carl Jung's best-known contribution to psychology. Symbols particular to human understanding of the Universe are stored there, waiting to be tapped
The BIG Problems I Face (and why you should face them, too)
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I'm back from a brief rest and ready to talk about my Big Problems - those questions I just have to answer, no matter how
The Adult You're Looking for Is You with Kyleigh Weathers
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today we hear a heartbreaking story of disconnection with Kyleigh Weathers. Kyleigh is an attachment coach, podcaster, and the founder of Queerly Attached, through which
'What Makes You Different From Someone Who Thinks He's Napoleon?'
We can recognize the question as unanswerable — but that doesn't mean there's no possible retort.
About 20 years ago, a fellow trans man and I noted that sometimes people ask: “What makes you, a transsexual, different from someone who believes
Gender-Affirming Care RESULTS: How Have I Changed as a Person?
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
As I move into the realm of "just living" after gender-affirming care changed my life for the better, what tangible results have I experienced? The
Pimping My Identity: Challenging Entrenched Lenocracy
Yo dawg, we heard you like identity...
For the past four months, my content - video and written - has focused largely on gender-affirming surgery. I wrote a retrospective leading up to
Transform Weakness into Strength with Jhenah Telyndru
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features the eminently magical Jhenah Telyndru! Jhenah is an author, Celticist, and Priestess who founded the Sisterhood of Avalon. In this illuminating discussion,
Gender-Affirming Care Is Not a Panacea
Stress from dysphoria is only half our trouble
When I traveled to Thailand for gender-affirming surgery, I never expected the best part of returning to the United States would be taking a cold
How to be Human with Louise Boye
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
On today's show, I speak with the wonderfully introspective Louise Boye. Louise is a Qi Gong instructor and musician who also facilitates groups in learning
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