Sharon J. Lubinski, U.S. Marshal

b. July 11, 1952

"Hopefully my coming out will dispel any myths that you can’t be gay and in uniform."

In 2010, Sharon J. Lubinski became the USA’s first openly gay United States Marshal. She is the first female to hold this post in Minnesota. 

A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lubinski received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1974 and a master’s degree from Hamline University in 1992.  She has served 32 years in law enforcement, including 12 years of command experience as precinct commander of downtown Minneapolis and deputy chief of patrol. From 2006 to 2010, Lubinski managed the Minneapolis Police Department’s daily operations as assistant chief of police. 

James Wharton, soldier

Gay serviceman James became the first homosexual soldier to appear on the front cover of the Armed Forces’ magazine in 2009. The Household Cavalry Regiment trooper was featured in the monthly Soldier publication to celebrate diversity in the Army, nine years after it lifted its ban on homosexuality within the ranks. During his eight-year career, the Lance Corporal says he has experienced just two uncomfortable moments, but neither was serious enough to make him quit.

“I came out to the Army before I told my parents, so that says a lot for the Armed Forces,” he recalls.

James went on to wed air steward partner Thom McCaffrey in 2010. And in April this year, he raised £4,000 for Stonewall by completing the Brighton Marathon.

Number 5 on the DS list of the "50 Most Influential Gays", 2011

October 11: Lupe Valdez, Lesbian Sheriff

b. October 11, 1947

Lupe Valdez is the first woman, the first ethnic minority person, and the first lesbian to be elected Sheriff of Dallas County, Texas.

"I decided to run because people have two choices in life. You can simply sit there complaining about something that's broken or wrong, or you can get busy and actually do something about it."

Lupe Valdez was a senior agent with the Department of Homeland Security when she reached a defining moment in her career. She had spent 24 years in law enforcement, beginning in the county prison system and moving into increasingly responsible positions with the General Services Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Customs, and the Department of Homeland Security. In 2004, she decided to gamble job security and retirement income to run for Sheriff.

On November 2, 2004, Valdez became the first woman, the first ethnic minority person, and the first lesbian to be elected Sheriff of Dallas County, Texas. She ran as a Democrat in a heavily Republican state, which led The Dallas Morning News to comment that "Dallas County voters managed to shatter at least four different stereotypes in one fell swoop."

In addition to her other "firsts," Valdez is the first former migrant worker to be elected Sheriff of Dallas County. She is the youngest of eight children. Her family followed the crops north to Michigan, picking green beans, beets, and sweet potatoes. Despite the challenges, Valdez's mother was determined that her youngest child-and only daughter--would have an education.

Valdez put herself through college by working two jobs. In six years she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. After college, she enlisted in the Army Reserves, where she rose to the rank of captain, serving in the military police and military intelligence. While serving as a law enforcement officer and federal agent, Valdez earned a master's degree in criminology and criminal justice.

As Dallas County Sheriff, Valdez is responsible for 7,000 prisoners and 1,322 deputies, detention officers and bailiffs. "Going from migrant worker to a professional, that was a challenge. Going from jailer to federal agent, that was a challenge." Compared to all that, she says, this new job is "not a challenge."

Bibliography:

• Nash, Tammye, “Making history, meeting challenges,” Dallas Voice.
  
• O’Neill, James M. “Outsider role has always suited Valdez,” The Dallas Morning News, January 1, 2005.