Jacob Tobia
Scholar Class – 2010
After coming out during Christmas of his sophomore year of high school, Jacob initially had to hide much of his activism from his now-supportive father. With the support of his wonderful friends, he has since become an advocate for the LGBT community in all areas of life. As Student Body Vice President and the President of his high school's Gay-Straight Alliance, Key Club and Student Legislative Assembly, Jacob has sought to not only advocate for equality, but also to serve as a role model for other LGBT youth. In 2009, he founded the Triangle GSA Council, a group that helps to empower GSA leaders across the Triangle as well as foster a sense of community for LGBT youth in the area. Growing up in the Methodist Church, Jacob has struggled with his faith and in his larger church community, but in 2008 he authored and passed a resolution in honor of Lawrence King and LGBT bullying at the state-wide meeting of the North Carolina Methodist Church. He also strives to impact his church through his participation in the Unity Dialogue, a bi-partisan group of Methodists who discuss LGBT issues with the Bishop.