I think I’m probably exposed to all the bad news for gay people on a larger scale than the average citizen simply because I’m an editor for a gay publication. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.

Especially when you talk to a gay or lesbian individual who says they have no interest in politics.

Although I wish we lived in a world where rights were secure for all — the fact of the matter is — we don’t. I can’t imagine anyone in the LGBT community is feeling particularly comfortable with the state of affairs in this country right now.

The vast majority of gays and lesbians believe that sexual orientation is genetic. Determined before birth, in other words. Let’s accept that as an axiom: we’re born lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual. Most of the population falls into that final category.

Those of us who don’t, have suffered discrimination, violence, hatred and even death from members of the hetero camp throughout history. That, too, is an even more indisputable axiom.

In 21st century America the fundies are much more civilized about their homophobia. They couch it in key political phrases like “traditional values,” “protecting marriage” and “activist judges.”

It’s still hatred — just dressed up in a nice suit and sneaking up behind you when you weren’t watching too closely.

Here’s another axiom for you: if you believe that you were born gay, lesbian or bisexual — then you were born to be political. You can disagree with me and talk about your private, secure life, how you want to enjoy only pleasant things and that you even agree with some of the fiscal aspects of the conservative party.

At this point in history for our community, only a fool would stand by silently without a fight. As sectors of our state and federal government are systematically stripping gays and lesbians of security and rights, many in our community are sitting by tight-lipped.

This came to me via email the other day. It’s written by David Walinski from Louisville, Ky., though it’s based on original words written by a German Minister named Martin Niemöller who opposed the Nazis during Wold War II.

I know it’s a little cliché, but it does have an important message:

First they came after same-sex couples who wanted to get married, but because I didn’t want to get married, I said nothing.

Then they came after couples who wanted to adopt children, but because I didn’t want to raise children, I said nothing.

Then they came after gays and lesbians who wanted to be foster parents, but because I didn’t want to be bothered with kids, I said nothing.

Then they reduced benefits for people with AIDS, but because I didn’t have AIDS, I said nothing.

Then they started passing laws making it legal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, but since I was self-employed, I said nothing.

Then they closed down the gay bars as a health hazard, but since I didn’t go to bars, I kept quiet.

Then they reinstated sodomy laws, but when I spoke up, there was no one left to speak up with me.

After I read this I drove the few blocks between office and home for lunch break. I stepped out to the back yard and made a beeline for the green hammock that had belonged to my father — my mother had passed it on after his death a few years ago to my partner and me.

The hammock is big, old and comfortable. I always think of my dad when I’m lying in it and I like to lose myself in cloud formations, the varying degrees of blue in the sky and all the different kinds of birds and trees overhead.

When all the world gets to be too much and the weather outside is pleasant, it’s a place I like to retreat to. When I’m looking up at the sky, I try to think about all the good things in life, and it usually motivates me to get up and go back in for the fight.

Even if you’re lucky enough to reside in one of the more liberal enclaves in the Carolinas — now is not the time to rest easy.

Take a look at yourself. What are you doing? How can you help fight the advancing anti-gay element that is trying so hard to take control of our society? What can you do before it’s too late to do anything at all?

Go find your own hammock. Look up at the sky and count your blessings. Then get up and be prepared to fight for them.