Former Board Member Sharon J. Lubinski Passes Away
On April 19, 2024, beloved former YWCA Minneapolis board member Sharon J. Lubinski passed away. During her lifetime, Sharon J. Lubinski had many trailblazing achievements, leadership roles, and broke down barriers. As the first openly gay U.S. Marshal, her story was a testament to the ongoing struggle for equality and diversity in law enforcement. Lubinski was known for an unwavering dedication to justice and public service and left an indelible mark on the history of American law enforcement.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Lubinski's journey towards becoming a pioneer in law enforcement began with humble roots. From an early age, she exhibited a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve her community. After earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from St. Cloud State University, she embarked on a career in law enforcement that spanned over three decades.
As a little- known assistant chief in the Minneapolis Police Department, Sharon made headlines when she declared she was a lesbian on the front pages of the city's largest newspaper - a bold move that other gay officers say inspired them to come out, too. At the time, Sharon was second-in-command of a force of about 880 sworn officers and 200 civilian employees.
Lubinski's rise through the ranks of the U.S. Marshals Service was marked by a commitment to excellence. She served in a variety of roles, including deputy U.S. Marshal, supervisory deputy, and chief deputy U.S. Marshal, honing her expertise in fugitive apprehension, witness security, and courthouse security along the way. However, it was her appointment as the U.S. Marshal for the District of Minnesota in 2010 that catapulted Lubinski into the national spotlight. With this appointment, she made history as the first openly gay U.S. Marshal, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for LGBTQ+ individuals in law enforcement.
Sharon J. Lubinski was a trailblazer in law enforcement and a symbol of progress, equality, and the power of perseverance. Her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to history-making achievements serves as a reminder that with dedication, determination, and a commitment to justice, anything is possible. As we at YWCA Minneapolis reflect on her legacy, we also aim to honor her contributions through our continued work and mission.