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.
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,
Arachidi Girl: Trans Man Art
I'd like to share with you a couple visual patterns: Soft and textured, strong and fragile, someone who lives in threatened habitat and someone whom presidents oughtn't touch.
A humble attempt to share my latest artistic concept. It's a visual image and, when I explain it, a sort of poem. I'm still mulling
Gender-Affirming Care Is the New Scopes Monkey Trial
After a hundred years, we should certainly know better
On 04 December 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in United States vs. Skrmetti, which challenges a 2023 Tennessee
Still Transgender: ASK ME ANYTHING!
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
In this live stream (now over!), I was back from a week away, tired, and had no topic prepared. What's a transgender girl to do?
You're Not Kinky, You're Cool with Max Carey
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In today's fascinating episode, Max Carey discusses the world of kink. Max is a producer and director who created the documentary "tOuch Kink," about the
I'm Transgender and I'm Tired of These 4 Pet Peeves
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
In this live stream, I talk about four pet peeves I have being transgender in modern Western society.
In short:
- I hate the word "trans"
Finding Ourselves in Sexual Fantasy with Artemisia de Vine
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Artemisia de Vine's theory of sexual fantasy. Artemisia is a sexual fantasy expert, sexologist and author who uses fantasy not as a
The Power of the Liminal Other
The magic and benefits of being transgender
The Universe knows I am different. I was marked Other from birth.
Perhaps in innocent eyes, I would appear as a white hound with red
My Transgender Experience: I Am the Product of GOOD KARMA
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
This week, I want to tackle a comment that wonders if the transgender community is being punished in some way for past crimes. The commenter
Building Community through Diversity with Ailsa Blair
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
On today's episode, I speak with Ailsa Blair about the drag community. Ailsa is a neurodiverse, nonbinary product designer and research leader who founded Drag
The War on Words: LGBTQ Rights and the Fight for Language
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
In last week's live stream, a viewer asked what I felt about a minority changing language against the will of the majority. Language, however, is
Claiming Our Identity through History with Neil Laird
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
In this episode, I talk history with Neil Laird. Neil is an Emmy and BAFTA-nominated TV producer, novelist, and ancient history geek whose fiction retells
Transgender Life: Ask Me Anything!
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
When I began this live stream, I intended to have it as interactive as I could. But I haven't done really well at that. Do
Choosing to Quit for Life with Duncan Bhaskaran-Brown
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today we hear an inspirational story from Duncan Bhaskaran-Brown. Duncan is a speaker, author, sober coach, and Morris dancer whose work challenges the stranglehold alcohol
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