The Purple Pawedcast

Today I am honored to share this interview with my inspiring Sister Döro.  She speaks under cover of anonymity about being transgender in Türkiye.  The stories she tells are harrowing, and I ask each of you listening please to share this with as many people as you can.  Improving conditions for transgender people everywhere must be a global concern.

REFERENCES:
Döro on Medium:  https://medium.com/@DoroVolkova
Gülya on Medium:  https://medium.com/@GulyaKerimoglu
Transgender Mental Health:  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/transgender-mental-health
US Transgender Employment:  https://transequality.org/issues/employment
Transgender People in Sex Work:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_sex_workers
Gender Identity Today:  https://genderidentitytoday.com/

  • (00:00) - Show opening
  • (00:37) - Introducing Döro
  • (03:03) - Growing up transgender, not human
  • (07:38) - No access to health care
  • (09:56) - Changing name and gender marker
  • (13:41) - Employment as a transgender person
  • (18:50) - The option is sex work
  • (22:21) - Worker organization is not for transgender people
  • (26:59) - No protection from police
  • (30:03) - So why not just move away?
  • (33:47) - Solidarity of the community
  • (35:53) - Fighting back
  • (39:18) - What can we do?
  • (42:52) - Transgender people aren't going away
  • (44:51) - We must all stand together
  • (47:15) - If you can't be yourself, there's no point
  • (50:07) - Better to be happy and in danger...
  • (51:32) - Giving love to those who hate us
  • (53:46) - Remembering our community
  • (57:20) - Off to bed!
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Creators and Guests

Host
Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.
Scientist, storyteller, and professional overthinker of all things identity. Also, I happen to be a transgender woman.

What is The Purple Pawedcast?

Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, 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 pod 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.