Former Colombian adult film performer Deyci Alejandra Omana Ortiz, widely known by her former stage name Amaranta Hank, has officially taken office as a senator in Colombia after winning the election on a platform focused on protecting the rights of adult-content creators and other vulnerable workers.
Ortiz was sworn in as a senator in Bogotá on Monday, representing the left-wing Historic Pact coalition. Her election marks an unusual political journey, moving from journalism to the adult entertainment industry and now into national politics.
The 33-year-old says her experiences have given her firsthand insight into discrimination, labour rights and social inequality—issues she now intends to address through legislation.
From journalism to politics
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Before entering the adult entertainment industry, Ortiz worked as a journalist in Colombia. In 2017, she began working in adult films under the name Amaranta Hank, attracting widespread public attention.
She left the industry in 2019 and later entered politics, arguing that her previous career exposed her to challenges faced by many workers who lack legal protections and social recognition.
Ortiz has repeatedly said that people who work in the adult-content industry deserve access to labour rights, healthcare and social security without discrimination.
Campaign centred on workers’ rights
Throughout her campaign, Ortiz advocated stronger legal protections for adult-content creators.
According to her, many individuals working in the industry face exploitation because there are no clear legal frameworks governing their work.
She argued that prejudice and misinformation have prevented lawmakers from addressing the issue.
In campaign messages, Ortiz maintained that adult-content creators should not be excluded from employment protections available to workers in other industries.
She also pledged to support broader labour reforms aimed at protecting vulnerable groups.
Responding to critics
Ortiz has faced criticism from some opponents who questioned whether someone with her background should hold public office.
She rejected those arguments, saying a person’s previous profession should not determine their ability to serve the public.
She pointed to examples of former adult entertainers in other countries who later entered politics, arguing that democracy should allow citizens from different backgrounds to seek elected office.
According to Ortiz, society often consumes adult entertainment while simultaneously stigmatizing the people who produce it.
She believes that contradiction should be openly discussed rather than ignored.
Election victory
Ortiz secured her Senate seat through the Historic Pact coalition, Colombia’s largest political alliance in the Senate and the party associated with outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
She was elected after appearing 23rd on the coalition’s candidate list during the parliamentary elections.
Following her victory, Ortiz thanked voters and said she felt supported by the people who believed in her message.
Broader policy goals
Beyond advocating for adult-content creators, Ortiz has outlined several additional priorities for her time in office.
These include:
- Expanding access to mental health services.
- Strengthening protections against sexual abuse.
- Promoting equality and reducing discrimination.
- Supporting workers’ rights across different sectors.
- Improving social protections for vulnerable communities.
She says these issues are interconnected and should form part of a broader conversation about social justice and equal opportunity.
Growing political diversity
Ortiz’s election reflects the increasing diversity of backgrounds among elected officials in Colombia and elsewhere.
Around the world, politicians have entered public office after careers in entertainment, sports, journalism and other professions traditionally viewed as separate from politics.
Supporters argue that individuals with varied life experiences can bring different perspectives to policymaking.
Critics, however, continue to debate whether previous careers should influence public perceptions of elected representatives.
Looking ahead
As Ortiz begins her legislative career, attention will focus on whether she can successfully advance her proposals within Colombia’s Senate.
Her advocacy for adult-content creators is expected to generate debate over labour rights, workplace protections and the legal status of digital content industries.
Regardless of differing opinions, her election represents an uncommon political journey that has drawn international attention.
For more information about Colombia’s Senate, visit the Senado de la República de Colombia.
Additional information about Colombia’s government is available through the Government of Colombia.
