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According to art historian Christopher Reed (page 98), in the 19th century the word artist was used as a pseudonym for queer. Frankly, we’re not surprised. In the journey that we have taken to put together this, our first art issue, we have met so many incredibly talented and creative gay artists that the two things have become almost inseparable. Whatever the reason for this – artistic talent as a inherent characteristic of the ‘gay gene’, or as psychologist Alan Downs would have us believe in The Velvet Rage, a desperate cry for validation in attempt to overcome some deep-rooted shame at being brought up in a society that doesn’t know how to cope with our homosexuality. Or maybe it is just that as born outsiders, we see the world differently. Perhaps like Jean Genet we see beauty where others do not – we need to define ourselves in relation to the world around us, to explore our desires, to create our own images as a shield against the relentless barrage of heterosexual imagery. Whatever the reason, we wanted to celebrate queer artists who inspire us and share with you their life-enhancing work. It seemed fitting then in this issue to feature the city of San Francisco, the birthplace of so much creative, queer culture; home to so many important artists, writers, photographers, and performers.