Graphic by Megan Eloise/The Gazelle

It is easy to romanticize the publication process. We sacrifice sleep in the pursuit of new pieces, and devote countless hours to the development of each desk. Without editorial devotion, the fruits of such labor can seem uncertain. Love is a condition necessary to sustain The Gazelle, and as such, a fitting theme for our first Special Issue.

The thrill of shaping and sharing new stories can often lead us to overlook the politics behind publishing. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke of this hazard in her celebrated speech on the dangers of a single story. As editors, it is vital we consider the dynamics that influence the telling of certain stories over others. These ideas of exclusion are forcefully present in the ways we discuss and perceive love. We made it a priority to ensure many different ways of loving were represented in this Special Issue.

As always, the process of putting together The Gazelle is a team effort. We are thankful for the talented selection of writers — both old and new — who have bravely contributed their stories this week. From tales of female friendships to stories of death and guilt, we trust that this issue can provide a nuanced look at the many ways we come to love one another.

Despite our efforts, some stories remain unshared.

The politics behind this absence are complicated. Love necessitates vulnerability; a condition which increases exponentially when writing for an audience. Love, and the emotional disorder it often inspires, can be notoriously difficult to put into words. Socially dominant ideas of where, how and we may love add yet another barrier to the sharing of some love stories.

It is important to consider the impact of this invisibility. As you explore this issue, we invite you to keep these missing perspectives in mind, and to consider how such exclusions shape our contemporary understandings of love.

We publish in anticipation of a day when all are free to share their love story.