From transition to transformation - Dr. Amethysta Herrick on living authentically
In this episode of Getting Reflective, Lindsay connects with the powerful Amethysta Herrick (she/her), an exquisitely smart and funny transgender woman from Colorado. Ami has been a geneticist, chemist, and software engineer, but now dedicates her time to challenging the notion that identity and gender are exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.
Through the lens of her transgender experience, she uses analogies and storytelling to break down complex ideas about sex, identity, gender theory, and feminism, promoting the essential equality of all humans. Amethysta’s mission is: to make expressing authentic identity safe and accessible for everyone, creating a world where these deeply human experiences are understood and embraced by all.
Ami also shares about her powerful experience of receiving gender affirming surgery in Thailand this year, and how incredibly safe, supported, and cared for she felt throughout her experience. This was particularly transformative in the context of how poorly people are cared for in the United States.
Please be advised that Ami and Lindsay do discuss serious mental health challenges, including the topic of suicide. Despite this, please know, this story has a very joyous ending.
You can stream the episode here
Ami and Lindsay have developed a genuine connection, and the pair keep in regular contact. In December, Amethysta invited Lindsay to come on her podcast, Gender Identity Weekly! You can find that episode linked below.