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