The first 10 paragraphs of the article provided an unnecessarily detailed description of Ms. Gibson’s online sex work, and her response was not included until the 11th paragraph. In comparison, the Aug. 12 front-page article about alleged sexual harassment by a Montgomery County Public Schools principal, “A promoted principal. A trail of complaints.,” included the principal’s response to the allegations in the fourth paragraph.
Why is an alleged sexual harasser allowed more commentary on his actions than a woman running for office who performed legal and consensual sexual actions?
The tip about Ms. Gibson’s online sex work was given to The Post by a “Republican operative” in an attempt to shame Ms. Gibson — and women everywhere who engage in sex work — and dissuade voters from supporting her.
Engaging in legal sex work, especially as a woman, does not alter professional and public-serving capabilities, and it is irresponsible to continue to push that narrative.
Shaming women in sex work is a hallmark of an illiberal society and of illiberal and ill-informed reporting.
Though it is in the public interest to know that Susanna Gibson has been a sex worker, the article might have been titled “Va. House candidate worked in online sex” or something equivalently less Victorian in nature. The reporting on the nature of her work was salacious.
We should all be grateful to her opponent for a graceful and measured response.
It’s 2023. Sex workers can and should be able to run for office without titillating reporting. It’s a good thing that sex-positive citizens participate in our marketplace of ideas and governance.
