Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stirred controversy by appointing two former adult film actors, Alejandra Umaña and Juan Carlos Florián, as deputy ministers in the Ministry of Equality. Both appointees will oversee government programs aimed at supporting poor and vulnerable communities.

Vice President Francia Márquez, who initially led the Ministry of Equality, has opposed the appointments, stating that such decisions could damage the credibility and image of the ministry. Despite criticism, President Petro defended his choice, asserting that both individuals have the right to hold public office and contribute to equality initiatives.

 

The Ministry of Equality, established by Petro in 2022, was created to support marginalized groups including women, the LGBTQ+ community, indigenous people, and economically disadvantaged populations. Following Márquez’s resignation as minister in February 2025, Carlos Rosero assumed leadership of the ministry and later appointed Umaña and Florián to key roles.

Alejandra Umaña, widely known by her stage name Amaranta Hank, began her career as a journalist before transitioning to the adult film industry in 2017. She stated her decision was voluntary and aimed at exploring the industry. Umaña left the industry in 2019 after experiencing discrimination and lack of societal respect. She has since become a writer and social activist, advocating for the rights of sex workers, sexual freedom, and gender equality.

Juan Carlos Florián, who joined politics in April 2025, has a long history in human rights advocacy and LGBTQ+ affairs. During his earlier work with Petro’s Bogotá Humana administration, Florián handled LGBTQ+ issues, a role that led to death threats and forced him to flee to Paris. There, he worked various jobs before joining the adult film industry to sustain himself financially. Upon Petro’s election as President in 2022, Florián returned to Colombia, where he resumed activism and political engagement.

President Petro continues to defend the appointments, highlighting the contributions both individuals have made to social justice and their commitment to equality.