Renee Olstead, an actor, therapist, and adult entertainment star, received an unexpected accolade on Saturday at Milwaukee’s Turner Hall during Wisconsin’s annual Socialist Anti-Gala. The Wisconsin State Assembly presented her with an official citation, celebrating her tireless advocacy for sex workers’ rights and her distinction as the first Wisconsinite to be named Penthouse Pet of the Year.
The citation, presented by Representatives Ryan Clancy, Francesca Hong, Darrin B. Madison, and Christian Phelps, was signed at the Wisconsin State Capitol on 19 April 2025. It praises Olstead as a “committed activist for Sex Worker Rights both in Wisconsin and California” and congratulates her on her groundbreaking achievement in the adult entertainment industry.
“I was completely surprised,” Olstead said of the commendation. “I’ve been so inspired by the community leaders I’ve met since moving to Wisconsin and I look forward to standing alongside them in support of Wisconsin’s upcoming decrim proposals.” She added, “We’ve got a hard fight ahead and it means so much to know that our community has so many advocates willing to stand with us in the fight for our rights.”
Olstead’s advocacy extends beyond public appearances. She is one of the few therapists in the United States offering pro bono services to sex workers, providing critical mental health support. Her activism includes fundraising for mental health resources, testifying against legislation harmful to sex workers, and advocating for those incarcerated in the Midwest. Olstead founded The Coalition for American Sex Workers (CASW – LOCAL 304) in 2024 and collaborates with organisations such as SWOP LA, SWOPChi, DecrimSexWorkCA, SWOPLA, Sunday Faire, and Pineapple Support.
Born in Houston, Texas, Olstead began her career in entertainment as a child, appearing in over nine seasons of television and starring in films like 13 Going on 30 and Michael Mann’s The Insider. She also released two studio albums produced by David Foster. In 2020, she pivoted to adult entertainment while pursuing a Master’s in Psychology, which she completed in 2023. That same year, she earned the title of Penthouse Pet and began contributing articles to Penthouse Magazine, both in print and on Penthouse.com.
Olstead’s adult entertainment career has included campaigns for major brands such as Hustler Hollywood, Playboy, and HoneyBirdette. Her rapid rise culminated in her historic Penthouse Pet of the Year win, a milestone recognised by the Wisconsin State Assembly as a cultural achievement for the state.
Now splitting her time between Los Angeles and Milwaukee, Olstead lives with her rescue animals, Ume, Persephone, and Oscar. Her commitment to advocacy remains unwavering, with a focus on legislative efforts to decriminalise sex work in Wisconsin and beyond. The state’s upcoming decriminalisation proposals, which Olstead referenced in her remarks, are expected to face significant debate in the coming months, according to local advocacy groups.
The Wisconsin State Assembly’s recognition of Olstead underscores a growing acknowledgement of sex workers’ rights as a critical social justice issue. Her dual roles as a public figure and grassroots organiser highlight the intersection of cultural achievement and activism. As Wisconsin prepares for legislative battles over decriminalisation, Olstead’s work continues to bridge communities, offering both visibility and tangible support to those in the sex work industry.