Hi John xxxxxx,

As we enter another year in which instances of non-consensual image-based abuse continue to rise, I wanted to reach out and make sure you saw my story.

Her Bold Move endorsed me while I was running for a State Delegate seat in Virginia. The polls showed I was on track to win in a Republican-leaning district – until my campaign was the target of a uniquely sexist attack.

Before I tell you more, I want to emphasize that Her Bold Move stepped up when too many other organizations were afraid to publicly stand by me. Now, they need your help to ensure they can provide that same game-changing support to other candidates running for office this year. Will you join me in uplifting this extraordinary organization by pitching in $20.25 or more today?

Here is what happened:

In the final weeks of my run for office, I found out I had been the target of nonconsensual pornography, nonconsensual distribution of intimate images, and severe image-based sexual abuse both online and in person.

In fact, the Republican Party of Virginia – yes, the official state Republican party – sent out explicit photos of me to thousands of homes in my district. My neighbors’ homes.

Here is a look at what I went through in the wake of these attacks:

❌ I received hundreds of phone calls and social media messages that included threats of rape and death.
❌ My children had to have security stay with them at school for weeks.
❌ I was forced to leave my job as a nurse practitioner.
❌ I had to leave the state to escape reporters and threatening strangers showing up at my house.
❌ I was unable to meet with voters for three weeks during the height of election season.

Male candidates do not experience this type of sexual harassment or abuse when they run for office.

But here’s the thing: now more than ever before, we need women to run for office. Stories like mine are the reason many women don’t. Chip in today to help change that.

I’m writing this email today to spread an important message to any woman considering a run for office: Her Bold Move is an amazing resource. I hope every woman candidate will take advantage of what HBM can offer.

They understood that their role in my campaign had become more important than ever – that I was the victim of a sexist attack reserved for women candidates. They renewed their support for me and encouraged other endorsers to follow their lead, they checked in on me constantly, they helped me fundraise when institutions were actually pulling funding from my campaign. At one of the loneliest times of my life, the HBM team made me feel less alone.

It’s clear their mission to fight misogyny shows up in their actions as an org – not just their words.

Despite everything I outlined above – I was only 715 votes shy of winning that seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. It’s frustrating to imagine how the outcome might have been different if more orgs had followed Her Bold Move’s lead. We could have avoided electing one more anti-choice legislator in my state.

I am so grateful for the work that Her Bold Move is doing to defend and empower women like me. Will you join me in supporting this important organization by pitching in $20.25 or more today?

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Running for office as a woman can be dangerous and scary. The political landscape is a safer and more supportive place for women with Her Bold Move at the forefront.

Thank you,

Susanna Gibson