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.
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
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