Angela Chen

Angela Chen is a journalist, editor, and author whose work explores the intersection of science, technology, culture, and identity. Chen has served as a senior editor at WIRED and Vox, and as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, The Verge, and MIT Technology Review. Her expertise lies in science and technology studies, with a focus on information infrastructures and issues of quantification and classification. Chen's reporting and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Paris Review, Kenyon Review, Chronicle of Higher Education, Lapham's Quarterly, National Geographic, and other publications. She is the managing editor of Asterisk Magazine.

Chen is the author of "Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex," a work of cultural criticism and memoir. "Ace" examines misconceptions surrounding the "A" in LGBTQIA and encourages a broader understanding of pleasure and intimacy. Drawing on interviews with nearly 100 asexual individuals, Chen presents the asexual experience within scientific and cultural contexts. The book has been recognized by NPR and Electric Literature, among others, as a standout publication.

During her tenure as a science reporter at The Verge, Chen began investigating the role of sexual attraction in Western culture, a project that developed into "Ace." She has discussed her personal experiences with asexuality and the challenges of integrating ace perspectives into broader conversations about sexuality and relationships. The book addresses issues such as confusion around sexual activity, the intersection of sexuality and identity, and navigating differing needs in relationships—topics relevant to a wide audience.

Chen is a member of the ace community and has spoken about asexuality at academic conferences and events including World Pride. She has lectured at Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, New York University, The New York Times, New York Public Library, Asian American Writers Workshop, and the National Association of Science Writers. Chen frequently discusses her work on radio and podcasts, including the Brian Lehrer Show, PRI's The World, Science Friday, and "Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness." Her work contributes to ongoing conversations in science journalism, technology reporting, and cultural studies.