The Wedding Heard 'Round the World

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On September 3, 1971, Michael McConnell and Jack Baker made history with the first legal same-sex wedding in the United States. Their story captures the fervor of the gay liberation movement of the sixties and seventies. Amid the rise of activism following the Stonewall riots, these two men sought to make their commitment legally recognized. Both were already advocates for gay rights, with Jack being the first openly gay student president at the University of Minnesota. They navigated a complex process to secure a marriage license and were wed by a Methodist minister in a friend’s Minneapolis apartment. Their vows were followed by a kiss and a signed marriage certificate, but their union had immediate consequences—Michael's job offer at the University of Minnesota was rescinded, prompting him to fight against job discrimination. This led to two landmark cases that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Now living quietly in Minneapolis, Michael and Jack represent a modern American dream. With marriage equality now a reality, they share their groundbreaking journey, serving as a model for social justice advocates and inspiring those striving for acceptance in an unequal world.