Jacob Tobia, an alum of the SOL program, is a lifelong activist and advocate for LGBT rights. Jacob has led campaigns for anti-bullying laws to protect LGBT students, advocated for LGBT equality within the Methodist chuch, and worked passionately against “defense of marriage” ballot initiatives in North Carolina. In his SOL capstone course, Jacob wrote a social issue portfolio on the challenges facing LGBT asylum seekers in the United States.
On December 15th, Jacob will run across the Brooklyn Bridge in high heels to raise money for the Ali Forney Center, a shelter for LGBT youth in New York City that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth. As a result of the hurricane, the Ali Forney Center was flooded by four feet of water, rendering the space uninhabitable.
You can help Jacob in his campaign to raise money for the center, so that it can continue to provide the vital services and programs that homeless LGBT youth in NYC depend on. Help by donating to his campaign. All donations made by this Sunday will be matched up to $1,000. You can also watch Jacob’s Youtube video and share his Facebook page.
Jacob is a junior at Duke, pursuing a degree in Human Rights Advocacy and Leadership. He is currently spending a semester in New York City.