[21] After graduating from UCLA, Vargas-Cooper worked as a union organizer and health policy analyst in both Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

"[29] The Daily Beast, which ran an article of its own based on the Jezebel report, likewise backpedaled, saying, "We deeply regret the error and apologize to Gov.

[32] While working for Vice, Vargas-Cooper published articles regarding women and LGBTQ rights, including "How to Take your Attempted Rapist to Court and Win",[33] "How to Protect your Nude Selfies from Vengeful Ex Boyfriends and Trolls"[34] and "Bye: Scalia: Antonin Scalia's Worst Decisions on the Rights of Women and LGBTQs".

The New Republic's Jo Livingstone called her essay an "attack on trans people masquerading as an exercise in good faith" and "trans-exclusionary rhetoric.

[38] In 2010, GQ wrote an article calling for an end to Tumblr book deals, but referred to Mad Men Unbuttoned as the exception, "anticipated... a rare bird."

Vargas-Cooper is the creator and host of Public School, a weekly live storytelling series in Los Angeles where writers and performers tell personal stories, based on a theme.

Some past participants include Starlee Kine, Paul F. Tompkins, Davy Rothbart, and Julie Klausner.