(Milwaukee, WI / April 29, 2025) – Renee Olstead turns political backlash into momentum with the announcement of her initiative’s new nonprofit status, following criticism from Wisconsin GOP lawmakers over her recent state recognition by Representatives Ryan Clancy, Francesca Hong, Darrin Madison and Christian Phelps.
Presented with a legislative citation on April 19 honoring her achievements in entertainment and activism, the Penthouse Pet of the Year and sex workers’ rights advocate was targeted by GOP critics, but used the moment to announce that CASW, has officially received non-profit status and is now accepting donations to expand its legal aid, mental health access, harm reduction outreach and advocacy efforts.
“Initially, it was my intention to work with already established orgs within the state. Though I was impressed with the advocacy efforts I saw in Minneapolis and Chicago, I soon realized that Wisconsin was greatly lacking in resources for our community,” said Olstead. Founded in Milwaukee in 2024, The Coalition for American Sex Workers has already partnered with SWOP Chi, SWOPLA, SWOP Behind Bars, New Moon Network, and EPA United to strengthen sex worker support in the Midwest.
Olstead, who has long spoken out about surviving online exploitation long before formally entering the adult industry, isn’t backing down. “The criminalization and stigma surrounding our industry is nothing new, but the current political climate has placed an even larger target on the backs of sex workers. Solidarity is essential to our survival,” she said.
Support CASW 304’s mission at casw304.org, now officially able to receive donations to continue serving the community through legal and mental health partnerships, harm reduction outreach and sex worker rights advocacy at donorbox.org/casw-local-304.
Learn more about Renee Olstead at xorenee.com.
ABOUT RENEE OLSTEAD:
Born in Houston, Texas, Renee Olstead began her entertainment career at a young age, amassing over nine seasons of television appearances, notable roles in movies such as 13 Going on 30 and Michael Mann’s The Insider, and two studio albums produced by acclaimed music producer David Foster. In 2020, Olstead shifted focus, venturing into adult entertainment and returning to grad school.
Olstead’s adult career swiftly gained momentum, leading her to complete campaigns and pictorials for renowned brands including Hustler Hollywood, Playboy, and HoneyBirdette. She attained her Master’s in Psychology, along with the title of Penthouse Pet in 2023, and subsequently became a contributor to Penthouse Magazine, with articles appearing both in print and online at Penthouse.com.
A passionate advocate for sex worker’s rights, Olstead continues to advocate for various mutual aid organizations, including SWOPLA, Sunday Faire, and Pineapple Support, as well as The Coalition for American Sex Workers (CASW – LOCAL 304) which she founded in 2024. Currently, Renee divides her time between Los Angeles and Milwaukee, where she resides with her beloved rescue animals, Ume, Persephone, and Oscar.
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