MyOwn PAC: championing privacy and combating gender-based and sexual violence
February 1, 2024 press release announcing the formation of MyOwn, a political action committee supporting candidates committed to legislative reform on intimate privacy and image-based sexual abuse.
Henrico, VA. - Today Susanna Gibson, the former Democratic nominee for Virginia’s House District 57 in 2023, announced the formation of a new Political Action Committee (PAC) named MyOwn. Susanna started this PAC to support candidates dedicated to legislative reform pertaining to gender-based and sexual violence, especially Nonconsensual Pornography (NCP), Nonconsensual Distribution of Intimate Images (NDII), Synthetic NDII (“deepfakes”), Intimate Privacy violations, and Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA).
What MyOwn stands for
MyOwn PAC is committed to advocating for the right to intimate privacy, autonomy, and agency over one's own body, and fighting back against all forms of sexual violence, including the weaponization of bodies and sexuality in the political arena. As a non-partisan PAC, they support candidates across the political spectrum who align with their goals and share a commitment to ending these crimes. MyOwn will also provide support and resources to candidates who may find themselves at risk of or are currently being harmed by these abuses.
These abhorrent tactics silence diverse perspectives. By providing support to these candidates, we move towards the creation of a government that truly reflects our society and allows more voices to be heard and creates more equitable and inclusive policymaking.Susanna Gibson
A direct response to a campaign
Susanna is establishing “MyOwn” as a direct response to her experience during her recent political campaign, when she discovered she had been the target of NCP in tandem with being subjected to large-scale NDII and severe Image-Based Sexual Abuse both online and in person. These crimes, perpetrated by members of the opposing political party, not only targeted Susanna personally but also undermined the integrity of the democratic process.
Sadly, these crimes disproportionately target and harm women, particularly women of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals, and ultimately threaten the promise of an equitable, diverse, and representative democracy.Susanna Gibson
“MyOwn” will stand as a beacon of hope and resilience, transforming a very difficult personal ordeal for Susanna into a powerful movement for change. Susanna added, “It's not just about protecting individuals; it's about safeguarding the principles of democracy and ensuring a political landscape where all voices can be heard without fear of personal retribution.”
Published February 1, 2024. Statements reflect the date of publication.
