Baker, then a student, and McConnell, a librarian, became gay activists in the U.S. state of Minnesota from 1969 to 1980. After being refused in their first attempt to obtain a marriage license in Hennepin County in early 1970, Baker was legally adopted by McConnell in early August 1971 and changed his legal name to Pat Lyn McConnell (although he continued to use "Jack Baker" informally).
Baker, a student at the time, and McConnell, a librarian, became prominent gay rights advocates in Minnesota from 1969 to 1980. After being denied their initial attempt to secure a marriage license in Hennepin County in early 1970, Baker was legally adopted by McConnell in August 1971 and took his new name as Pat Lyn McConnell.