Wisconsin GOP Governor Candidate Bill Berrien Faces Scrutiny Over Following Sex-Positive Accounts Linked to Nonbinary Adult Star

Bill Berrien, a Wisconsin businessman and Navy SEAL, recently launched his Republican campaign for governor, positioning himself as a political outsider aligned with former President Donald Trump. In his campaign announcement, Berrien promised to "shake up Madison," support law enforcement, enforce strict immigration measures, and, notably, criticized Governor Tony Evers on transgender issues. Berrien stated he would "keep boys out of our daughters’ sports and locker rooms," referencing legislative efforts targeting transgender student athletes—a stance that has drawn the ire of LGBTQ+ advocates statewide .

However, Berrien’s commitment to conservative family values was called into question following a recent investigative report. Journal Sentinel revealed that, until confronted by reporters, Berrien was following at least half a dozen sexually explicit, sex-positive blogs and writers on his Medium account. Among those followed were accounts linked to a nonbinary adult star, as well as other creators known for advocacy around sex-positivity and gender inclusivity .

Upon media inquiry regarding his online activity, Berrien quickly moved to remove links to these blogs and writers from his Medium account. His campaign has yet to issue a public statement explaining the discrepancy between his personal online activity and his campaign rhetoric. Sources indicate that the scrubbing occurred shortly after journalists reached out, suggesting a reactive rather than proactive approach to the controversy .

Democratic leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates in Wisconsin have seized upon the incident as evidence of hypocrisy, calling for Berrien to clarify his stance on LGBTQ+ issues and sex-positive representation. Devin Remiker, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, responded: “Bill Berrien’s rich enough to buy himself some attention and clueless enough to think that’s going to work — just like Elon Musk did this past April only to see his political career end,” referencing recent political turbulence in the state .

The episode has reignited discussion about the intersection of sex-positivity, social media presence, and political authenticity. Sex-positive accounts and creators—especially those who are nonbinary or transgender—have long faced stigma and censorship online, despite their growing influence in shaping public conversations about consent, gender identity, and sexual health . Berrien’s decision to follow such accounts, whether intentional or inadvertent, highlights the tension between private interests and public policy positions—particularly for candidates who campaign on restricting LGBTQ+ rights.

LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the incident reflects a broader pattern among anti-transgender politicians: using rhetoric that stigmatizes transgender people and gender-nonconforming individuals while privately consuming content created by those very communities. This contradiction, they say, perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines efforts to promote dignity and respect for all Wisconsin residents, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation .

Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ organizations have called for transparency from all political leaders regarding their views and policies. Many see Berrien’s online activity as a potential opportunity to discuss the realities of sex-positivity and the role of adult stars—especially those who are nonbinary—in challenging societal norms about sexuality and identity. Advocacy groups are urging voters to critically evaluate candidates’ records and rhetoric, rather than relying solely on campaign promises or party affiliation.

Some advocates have expressed concern that the media coverage risks reinforcing stigma around sex work and adult content, rather than fostering nuanced dialogue about consent and representation. They emphasize the importance of affirming language and inclusive policies, particularly in light of attempts to restrict the rights of transgender and nonbinary people in Wisconsin.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will have a lasting impact on Berrien’s campaign. He joins Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann in the GOP primary, with other Republicans rumored to enter the contest. Governor Evers, meanwhile, has not yet announced whether he will seek a third term .

In the absence of a substantive response from Berrien’s campaign, LGBTQ+ leaders and political observers are watching closely to see whether this incident will prompt broader reflection among Republican candidates about the relationship between personal behavior and public policy—especially when it comes to the rights, dignity, and representation of transgender, nonbinary, and sex-positive communities in Wisconsin.

The controversy surrounding Bill Berrien’s online activity serves as a microcosm of ongoing national debates over privacy, authenticity, and LGBTQ+ representation in politics. As Wisconsin voters prepare for the upcoming gubernatorial election, the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance against hypocrisy, stigmatization, and exclusion—while also highlighting the resilience and diversity of the state’s LGBTQ+ community.