MILWAUKEE—Adult model and activist Renee Olstead has received nonprofit status for her burgeoning initiative the Coalition for American Sex Workers (CASW).
The classification for the organization comes after criticism from Wisconsin GOP lawmakers over Olstead's recent recognition by Democratic state Reps. 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 pushed back by announcing that CASW has officially received nonprofit 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,” Olstead said. Founded in Milwaukee in 2024, CASW 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 spoken out about surviving online exploitation long before formally entering the adult industry, added: “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.”
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.
