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.
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
Transgender Scientist Wants YOUR Questions!
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I'm transgender, I'm a scientist, and I want you to Ask Me Anything. That's the topic this week, and your presence will make it all
Choosing a Life without Misery with Louise Richardson
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
As a special 50th Episode, I speak with Louise Richardson, a transgender woman whose transition in the 1970s demonstrates how - despite many strides made
Pushing Through a Hard Time
When I think of my gender identity, I think of a Jell-O blob. It's a mass, so it exists, but it's not exactly a 'thing.'
We're pushing through some heavy space-time right now.
I take that metaphor from a new book by Kyla Wazana Tompkins called Deviant Matter: Ferment, Intoxicants,
Sex while Transgender: How Transition Changes Intimacy
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I received a question about how intimacy changes when transgender women begin hormone replacement therapy. Yes, it is possible to have a healthy sex life,
Life, Death, and Equilibrium with Kristoffer Hughes
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
This week's episode is with the ever-effervescent Kristoffer Hughes. Kristoffer is an esoteric author, teacher of Death Midwifery, and Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order.
Creating Your Identity from Scratch
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I was asked what it means to explore and create your own identity, especially in a role-playing game. Is this something we have to continue
The Patterns in Our Biology with Dominika Staniewicz
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In this episode, I chat with Dominika Staniewicz about the brain, biochemistry, and the origin of identity. Dominika is a Brain Coach, Elite Neuroencoding Specialist,