Deyci Alejandra Omana Ortiz, who previously worked in the adult film industry under the name Amaranta Hank, has been sworn in as a senator in Colombia. Ortiz, 33, was elected to represent the left-wing Historic Pact party in the Norte de Santander region and officially took office on Monday in Bogotá.
Ortiz's political platform focuses on advocating for the rights and protections of adult-content creators. She has stated that individuals working in this industry require legal safeguards to prevent exploitation by companies and agencies. "These women have been unprotected by the state because, due to misinformation, prejudice and double standards, no one has declared to regulate it," Ortiz said in a campaign video.
She has addressed criticism regarding her past career and eligibility for public office, drawing parallels to other former adult entertainers who have entered politics. "Why can’t a woman who was in the adult industry aspire to a popularly elected office?" she questioned, referencing figures like Italian lawmaker Ilona Staller. "My experience allowed me to understand inequality, the struggle for freedom and the popular economy, arguments that I now promise to bring directly into legislative debate."
Ortiz, a former journalist, transitioned into the adult film industry in 2017 and departed it in 2019 before pursuing a career in politics. She noted the societal paradox of adult film consumption without acknowledging the rights of its creators, stating, "The problem is that society consumes adult films but denies us the possibility of speaking in spaces of power."
The Historic Pact party, which is associated with Colombia's outgoing president Gustavo Petro, holds a significant presence in the state senate. Ortiz secured her position as the 23rd candidate on the party's list. Following her election, she expressed gratitude, saying, "I feel embraced by my people."
In addition to her work on adult creator rights, Ortiz is also campaigning for improvements in mental health services and advocating for measures to prevent sexual abuse. She characterized her political involvement as part of a broader societal transformation, remarking, "There is a political transformation underway that still has a long way to go but the important thing is that it has already begun in some way."
Abelardo de la Espriella is slated to be sworn in as Colombia's president on August 7.