Controversial Past: Ex-Adult Film Star Joins Colombian Senate
Former adult film actress Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, known as Amaranta Hank, has been sworn in as a senator in Colombia, advocating for adult entertainment workers' rights. Representing the Historic Pact bloc, she will also focus on mental health and preventing sexual abuse. Her election marks a significant moment following prior appointments in government that sparked public discussion.
Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, widely recognized by her stage name Amaranta Hank, a former adult film actress, has officially been sworn in as a senator in Colombia. Ortiz secured a Senate seat in the March elections, having campaigned vigorously for the rights and protection of workers within the adult entertainment industry. Her parliamentary term is set to run from 2026 to 2030, during which she will represent the Norte de Santander region as a member of the leftist Historic Pact bloc, as reported by Colombian outlet El Tiempo.
Ortiz's path to the Senate involved securing the 23rd position on the coalition’s closed list. The Historic Pact, which currently stands as Colombia’s most significant political force, demonstrated its strength by winning 22.72 percent of the Senate vote, accumulating over 4.4 million ballots and ultimately securing 25 seats, according to data from the country’s National Registry.
Before her career in the adult film industry, Omaña worked as a journalist. She has consistently asserted that her professional past should not be a barrier to serving in public office. As reported by Infobae Colombia, she believes that women who have participated in the sexual economy make valuable contributions to the country’s economy and are deserving of legal recognition rather than societal stigmatization. In response to public questioning regarding her suitability for office following her election victory, Omaña posted a TikTok video, asking, “¿Por qué una mujer que estuvo en la industria para adultos no puede aspirar a un cargo de elección popular?” which translates to, “Why can’t a woman who was in the adult industry aspire to a popularly elected office?”
Originally from Cúcuta, Omaña has also stated that her work in the Senate will extend beyond her initial campaign focus, encompassing critical issues such as mental health and the prevention of sexual abuse. Her election to the Senate follows earlier appointments, made months prior, wherein she and another former adult performer, Juan Carlos Florián, were given positions within the Ministry of Equality under President Gustavo Petro. These appointments had previously ignited considerable public debate across Colombia.