"My great aunt, Hortencia Lopez, affectionately known as Auntie Stretch, left a remarkable legacy in the world of sports. She proudly represented Mexico in the inaugural Pan American Olympic Games in Argentina, earning a gold medal in javelin. Her prowess extended to softball, earning her a well-deserved place in the El Paso Hall of Fame. Her nickname, Stretch, derived from her remarkable athleticism and dedication on the field, where she would stretch to reach for softballs and basketballs alike.
Auntie Stretch's story is not only one of sporting triumphs but also of personal courage. As an out lesbian during a time when such visibility was rare, she shattered stereotypes and blazed a trail for others to follow. This courage was mirrored in the lives of my grandmother's siblings; both Sonny and Auntie Stretch were homosexual, a fact embraced and accepted by their loving and progressive mother.
Born in 1935, my grandmother, fondly known as Trainnie, was the youngest of the trio. Together, Sonny, Stretch, and Trainnie grew up in the vibrant neighborhood across from Guillen, shaped by the love and progressive values instilled by their remarkable mother."
