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.
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,
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