From Adult Film Star to Colombian Senator: Former Porn Actress Sworn Into Office

Former Colombian adult film actress and journalist Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, widely known by her stage name Amaranta Hank, has been sworn in as a senator in Colombia after winning a seat on the ticket of the left-wing Historic Pact coalition.

The 33-year-old took the oath of office in Bogotá on Monday, marking a remarkable transition from journalism and the adult entertainment industry to national politics. She secured a Senate seat following the Historic Pact’s strong performance in Colombia’s legislative elections, which earned the coalition 25 seats in the upper chamber.

Before entering politics, Ortiz worked as a journalist before joining the adult entertainment industry in 2017. She left the industry about two years later and has since become an activist advocating for the rights of sex workers and adult-content creators.

One of her key campaign promises is to push for legal protections and social security benefits for people working in Colombia’s adult-content industry, arguing that many face exploitation because of inadequate regulation and persistent social stigma. She has also pledged to champion mental health services and strengthen measures against sexual abuse.

Responding to criticism over her past career, Ortiz has maintained that her experiences exposed her to inequality and social exclusion, which she says have shaped her commitment to public service. She argues that individuals should not be barred from holding public office because of their previous professions.

Her election has attracted widespread attention both within Colombia and internationally, highlighting changing attitudes toward political participation and the growing influence of candidates from unconventional backgrounds. It also comes as Colombia prepares for a presidential transition, with conservative leader Abelardo de la Espriella set to assume office following the end of President Gustavo Petro’s term.