Actually, Comparative Reasoning, I’m sort of subversively pointing out that tribes and tribal loyalties hold us back and make us less.

Or at least I’m trying to.

Check it out. I’m a white gay man in my 50s. Pinky is a straight black woman in her late 20s.

If either one of us had held back because of perceived tribal differences, a valuable friendship might never have happened.

The cautionary element of my tale is that maybe I would have held back if I’d realized Pinky was straight.

What if I’d just walked right past her and got on the elevator instead of stopping and saying hello?

So, when I say she’s part of my tribe, I’m really pointing out how limiting tribalism is.

If Pinky is part of my tribe, after all, anyone can be.