Why Purple? The Meaning Behind the Title of Shades of Purple

 When I sat down to name my memoir, Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines, I wanted a title that represented not just my story, but the complexities of identity, growth, and everything in between. Purple, as a color, holds deep meaning for me, both symbolically and personally.

Between Blue and Pink

From a young age, I felt like I existed in an in-between space—somewhere between the expectations of traditional masculinity and the person I was discovering myself to be. In many ways, purple is the perfect representation of that. It’s the blend of blue and pink, colors that have often been arbitrarily assigned to gender roles. But purple? Purple is neither one nor the other. It’s its own shade, its own identity.

Much like my journey, purple doesn’t fit neatly into a box—it lives in the middle, unapologetically bold yet still soft, vibrant yet complex. It represents fluidity, individuality, and the courage to exist outside of society’s rigid expectations.

A Color of Strength and Transformation

Purple has long been associated with royalty, wisdom, and transformation. My story is not one of literal royalty, but it is about rising above challenges and embracing the person I was meant to be. Throughout Shades of Purple, I share stories of hardship, loss, and self-doubt—but also moments of joy, triumph, and self-acceptance. Purple represents the strength it took to navigate those experiences.

A Tribute to Those Who Shaped Me

Beyond its symbolism, purple is also a tribute to the people who helped shape my journey. My childhood, my friendships, my experiences in education, and my family have all influenced who I am today. The “shades” of purple in my book’s title represent the different parts of my life, each one contributing to the bigger picture of my identity.

Carrying the Purple Flame

By choosing purple for the title, I’m also making a statement: embracing your true self, no matter where you fall on the spectrum of identity, is something to be proud of. Shades of Purple is more than just my story—it’s a reminder that we are all made up of different experiences, different struggles, and different triumphs. No two shades are exactly the same, but together, they create something beautiful.

So why purple? Because it’s bold. Because it’s undefinable. Because it’s me. 💜

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