The Purple Pawedcast

In this episode of the show, I speak with my very good friend Shannara Quissell, an amazing attorney and Executive Director of the Colorado Name Change Project.  Shannara and I discuss the important things in life: our right to define ourselves, our obligation to trust each other, and the beauty of the brocket for storing documents.

REFERENCES:
Connect with Shannara on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannara-quissell-25072387/
The first of name change blogs:  https://www.zalesskylaw.com/blog/name-changes
Colorado LGBTQ Bar Association:  https://www.clba.net
Colorado Name Change Project:  https://www.namechangeproject.org/
Dana Zzyym: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_Zzyym
Gender Identity Today:  https://genderidentitytoday.com/

  • (00:00) - Show opening
  • (00:36) - Introducing Shannara Quissell
  • (03:43) - A desire to make a difference
  • (07:18) - Law as penalty, not support
  • (09:17) - Finding Colorado Name Change Project
  • (12:42) - Names as identity, not gender
  • (17:46) - Name change is even hard for attorneys
  • (21:49) - For the love of stamping
  • (23:49) - States get to make names change as hard as they choose
  • (27:23) - Names are only about money
  • (31:29) - Names used to be only social constructs
  • (34:00) - Gender marker is less than social construct in Colorado
  • (37:56) - Jude's Law
  • (42:16) - Change your entire view of identity
  • (49:12) - Gender change for intersex people
  • (54:41) - Trust could go a little further
  • (56:43) - The Episode's Misty-Eyed Moment
  • (01:01:57) - Show closing
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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.