Defending Transgender Identity | Amethysta Herrick, PhD | Lean to the Left Podcast

In Defending Transgender Identity on the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Amethysta Herrick, PhD, a transgender woman, scientist, and advocate, to discuss the growing wave of discriminatory legislation targeting transgender individuals. Ami shares her remarkable story—from childhood struggles and suicide attempts to building a successful career as a scientist and executive, and ultimately transitioning to live authentically. She dives deep into the importance of identity, resilience, and the human experience, and discusses how Trump-era policies devastated the transgender community. Ami also shares her mission with Purple Paw Clan, an organization dedicated to defending transgender rights and supporting those on their journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation to explore: The personal and societal challenges of gender identity The impact of anti-transgender legislation The importance of advocacy and education The story behind Purple Paw Clan and Team Water 💜 Support the cause: https://purplepawclan.com Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help amplify voices that need to be heard. #TransRights #LeanToTheLeftPodcast #PurplePawClan CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:10 Discriminatory Legislation Against Transgender People 00:56 Introducing Amethysta Herrick, PhD 01:56 Amethysta's Early Life and Academic Journey 03:46 Transitioning and Professional Life 05:03 Family Life and Personal Struggles 05:54 Exploring Gender Identity and Transition 07:28 Writing and Advocacy 13:51 Impact of Trump's Policies on Transgender Community 18:22 Conservative Upbringing and Personal Struggles 19:06 Trump's Executive Orders and Gender Affirming Care 19:43 Corporate Responses to Anti-DEI Policies 20:07 First Amendment and Hate Speech 22:10 The Story Behind Purple Paw Clan 27:30 Team Water Initiative 28:47 Conclusion and Contact Information