Nathan Chen
Bio
I'm Nathan Chen, a queer Asian writer advocating for LGBTQ+ issues, Asian representation, millennial lifestyle, work life & mental health. Let's explore life's complexities together!
Stories (88/0)
How Tina Turner Empowered LGBTQ+ Youths in the 90s
Picture this: you're sitting in your room, it's the 90s, the stereo is blasting 'Simply the Best,' and you're singing along at the top of your lungs, every word resonating with your soul. That's the Tina Turner effect. Unapologetic and iconic, she did more than just belt out hit after hit – she set the stage for a generation of gay kids to see themselves in a light that society often dimmed. Through her music, her style, her tenacity, she inspired a legion of rainbow warriors to embrace their identity, their worth, and their right to live out loud.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Pride
17 Side Hustles That Gen Z Do That You Can't Miss!
Picture this: You're sitting at your desk, sipping on a single-origin oat milk latte while trying to figure out how to increase your income without adding another nine-to-five to your calendar. Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so. Well, have I got news for you! It turns out the tech-savvy, avocado-toast-loving, Harry Styles-obsessed Generation Z has been quietly revolutionizing the side hustle game. And you, my friend, can join the revolution too.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Journal
XO, Kitty: Netflix's Winning Recipe of Feminism, Diversity, and K-Drama Glamour
Are you ready to dive back into the world of "To All The Boys I Loved Before", but this time with Kitty Covey at the forefront? Brace yourselves, for Netflix's newest spin-off, "XO, Kitty" starring Anna Cathcart, is here to fill the void left by the end of the beloved trilogy. It comes brimming with familiar charm, fresh twists, enticing characters, and a whole lot of heart.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Geeks
9 Internet Hacks for Booking the Cheapest Flights
If there's one universal truth that millennials have embraced, it's that we want to see the world, but our wallets often have other ideas. It's like they're on a perpetual juice cleanse, and plane tickets are the metaphorical cheeseburger. But fear not, fellow wanderlust warriors. I'm here to give you the insider's 4–1–1 on how to book the cheapest flights possible. Buckle up, and get ready for some price-shattering, world-traveling, pop-culture-laden advice.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Wander
A Western Viewer's Guide to Asian BL Series
Greetings, fellow TV aficionados! Today, we're embarking on a journey East - a voyage that'll be more exciting than discovering the secret menu at Starbucks. It's about time you went on a binge-watching spree of Asian Boys' Love (BL) series. Imagine the drama of Grey's Anatomy, the humor of Friends, and the charm of Bridgerton - all whipped up in one glorious melting pot. Mouthwatering, isn't it?
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Geeks
25 Sassy Professional Expressions to Spice up Your Workplace Dialogue
Once upon a time, I worked in an office that was as lifeless as the Sahara desert, where jargon was our lifeline and corporate dialogues were as interesting as watching paint dry. But then, I discovered the key to change it all - the magic of sass. Here's how I transformed my office lexicon with 25 sassy yet professional phrases.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Journal
My Aunt's Confusion Over My Sexuality in 11 Questions
When you grow up in a traditional Asian family, your every step into adulthood is often met with an amusing mix of advice, cautionary tales, and, inevitably, a flurry of questions. While the journey of self-discovery is a universal rite of passage, adding a unique factor like my sexuality into the mix makes it a much more memorable adventure.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Families
A Guide to Traveling the World As A Queer Globetrotter
In my bag, a medley of vibrant scarves, travel guides, and an openness to appreciate the world's cultural mosaic, I've crisscrossed continents, broadening my perspectives, and collecting a suitcase-full of stories along the way. Each destination adds a new patchwork to my queer traveler's quilt. Every journey holds countless tales - some are laughter-inducing, others are emotionally charged, and a few are challenging in a way that only fellow queer travelers might understand.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Pride
My Grandpa on Taekook Fan Fiction Obsession
As a self-confessed Taekook fan, my world revolves around two main characters: Jeon Jungkook and Kim Taehyung from the global sensation, BTS. This obsession with Taekook — the ship name for Jungkook and Taehyung, if you're not in the know — has colored my life with such vibrancy that it sometimes feels like living in a thrilling K-drama. It all started when I stumbled upon a YouTube compilation of their adorable moments, and I fell down a rabbit hole of infectious smiles, heart-warming friendship, and intense fan-fiction.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Fiction
From BTS Fanboy to Proudly Gay: My Story of Self-Discovery
Who knew that seven South Korean guys dancing, singing, and rapping could lead to such an introspective journey for a boy from a traditional Asian family? It wasn't just about the music or the fancy choreography; it was about identity, acceptance, and the courage to be who I am. This is the story of how BTS, an international K-pop sensation, became a catalyst for my gay awakening.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Beat
LGBTQ Pride Through an Asian Gay Man's Lens
Picture this: I’m sitting in a bustling dim sum restaurant, a steaming basket of dumplings on the table, when my cousin suddenly asks, "What exactly is Pride?" Silence descends as every family member turns their gaze toward me, the only openly gay man in our traditional Asian family. As I open my mouth to answer, I feel a flurry of emotions — anticipation, nervousness, and excitement. I realize, this is my moment to make Pride relatable to them, through humor, personal experiences, and yes, a ton of food metaphors.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Pride
How BTS Changed the Narrative for a 30-Year-Old Asian Man
Every musical note has the power to stir the soul, every lyric has the potential to resonate with the human spirit, and every performance can inspire change. As a 30-year-old Asian man, I found my solace, strength, and spirit in the world of music, specifically in the tunes of BTS, the renowned South Korean boy band.
By Nathan Chen12 months ago in Beat