Picture this: a packed hall in Milwaukee, the air thick with rebellion and camaraderie, and Renee Olstead, a firebrand in a sea of socialists, gets blindsided with a legislative nod that’s got jaws dropping. This isn’t just some dusty plaque for show. It’s the Wisconsin State Assembly throwing weight behind a woman who’s been grinding for sex workers’ rights while rocking the Penthouse Pet of the Year crown. Yeah, you read that right. On April 19, 2025, Olstead became the first Wisconsinite to snag that title, and the Assembly—led by reps like Ryan Clancy and Francesca Hong—decided it was worth celebrating alongside her relentless activism. So, what’s the deal with this double-barreled honor? Let’s dive in.
Renee Olstead: Redefining Power in Advocacy and Glamour
Renee Olstead isn’t your average activist. She’s a force—part therapist, part performer, all fighter. When she stepped into Milwaukee’s Turner Hall for the Socialist Anti-Gala, she wasn’t expecting a spotlight. But when the citation hit, signed by the state’s own, it was clear: her work’s shaking things up. The Assembly didn’t just pat her on the back for looking good in Penthouse. They called her out as a “committed activist” for sex workers in Wisconsin and California, a nod to her gritty push for decriminalization and mental health support.
The Citation: A Bold Move in a Tough Fight
The certificate itself? It’s a big deal. Signed at the Wisconsin State Capitol, it’s not just a feel-good moment—it’s a signal. The Assembly’s backing Olstead’s hustle to decriminalize sex work, a battle that’s got more thorns than a rose garden. Reps Clancy, Hong, Madison, and Phelps didn’t mince words, praising her for:
- Leading the charge with groups like SWOP LA and DecrimSexWorkCA.
- Founding The Coalition for American Sex Workers (CASW – LOCAL 304) in 2024.
- Being the first from Wisconsin to claim Penthouse Pet of the Year.
Olstead’s reaction? Pure shock. “I was completely surprised,” she told the crowd, tears barely held back. “We’ve got a hard fight ahead, and it means so much to know our community has advocates willing to stand with us.” That’s not just talk—she’s got the receipts.
From Penthouse to Pro Bono: Olstead’s Dual Life
Olstead’s no one-trick pony. By day, she’s one of the few therapists in the U.S. offering pro bono support to sex workers, using her Master’s in Psychology to tackle mental health stigma head-on. By night? She’s a Renee Olstead, a Penthouse icon who’s flipped her platform into a megaphone for change. Her work with CASW isn’t just a side gig—it’s a lifeline, funneling funds to legal aid, harm reduction, and advocacy for incarcerated workers in the Midwest.
I’ve been so inspired by the community leaders I’ve met since moving to Wisconsin. I look forward to standing alongside them in support of decrim proposals.
– Renee Olstead
Her Penthouse win? It’s not just a trophy. It’s leverage. Being named Pet of the Year in 2024 gave her a stage to amplify the fight, blending glamour with grit in a way that’s got conservatives clutching pearls and progressives cheering.
Why Wisconsin’s Move Matters
Let’s be real: a state assembly honoring a sex work advocate and adult model isn’t just news—it’s a seismic shift. Wisconsin’s not exactly known for being a progressive hotspot, so this citation is a middle finger to the status quo. It’s a sign that decriminalization talks are gaining traction, especially with Olstead’s crew pushing for legislative change. She’s already met with lawmakers to propose protections for sex workers, and the Assembly’s nod gives her more clout to keep swinging.
But it’s not all roses. The backlash is real—GOP lawmakers have been vocal, slamming the honor as “disgraceful.” Olstead didn’t flinch. Instead, she doubled down, announcing CASW’s nonprofit status days later, ready to rake in donations for legal aid and mental health programs. That’s the kind of ballsy move that makes her a game-changer.
The Road Ahead: Decrim and Beyond
Olstead’s not slowing down. With Wisconsin’s decrim proposals on the horizon, she’s gearing up for a fight that’s as personal as it is political. Her work with groups like SWOPChi and Pineapple Support has already saved lives, from fundraising for therapy to testifying against laws that screw over workers. And her Penthouse platform? It’s a tool to keep the conversation loud.
What’s next? More advocacy, more visibility, and maybe a PhD to boot—she’s eyeing programs for 2026. Olstead’s proving you can be a badass in stilettos and a suit, blending sex appeal with serious smarts. Curious about her full story? Check her out at xorenee.com. This is one woman who’s rewriting the rules—and winning.
