From Adult Film Star to Colombian Senator: How Amaranta Hank Turned Controversy into Political Power
Former adult film actress Amaranta Hank, whose real name is Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, has become a Colombian senator after winning election on a platform focused on workers’ rights, social protection and political inclusion.
The political landscape in Colombia has witnessed an unexpected transformation with the election of Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, better known by her former stage name Amaranta Hank, a former adult film actress who has now become a senator of the Republic.
Her journey from journalism and adult entertainment to the Colombian Congress has attracted international attention, sparking debates about social stigma, political representation, labour rights and whether a person’s past should determine their ability to serve in public office. (UOL Notícias)
Ortiz was sworn in as a senator representing the Norte de Santander region under Colombia’s left-wing Historic Pact (Pacto Histórico) coalition for the 2026–2030 legislative period. She secured her position after being placed 23rd on the coalition’s closed candidate list following the country’s March Senate elections. (PM News Nigeria)
Who Is Amaranta Hank?
Born Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, the politician built her early career in journalism, writing and cultural reporting before entering the adult entertainment industry in 2017.
Using the name Amaranta Hank, she became known as an adult content creator before leaving the industry several years later to focus on activism, communication and politics.
Unlike many public figures who attempt to distance themselves from controversial parts of their past, Ortiz has openly acknowledged her former career and made it a central part of her political identity.
She argues that her experiences gave her firsthand knowledge of discrimination, workplace vulnerability and social exclusion issues she now wants to address through legislation.
A Campaign Built Around Adult Workers’ Rights
Ortiz’s political message focused heavily on protecting workers in Colombia’s adult content industry.
She has argued that many people involved in the sector operate without adequate legal protections, social security benefits or safeguards against exploitation.
Her campaign called for greater regulation of the industry, improved labour protections and recognition of adult content creators as workers deserving of legal rights.
According to reports, she believes the stigma surrounding the industry has prevented governments from creating effective policies to protect those involved. (New York Post)
Her supporters argue that her background gives her a unique perspective on an often-ignored sector of the economy.
They say that rather than hiding from controversy, Ortiz has used her personal history to highlight issues affecting thousands of workers.
Facing Criticism Over Her Past
Ortiz’s entry into politics has not been without controversy.
Critics have questioned whether someone with a background in adult entertainment should hold public office, arguing that elected officials should meet certain standards of public image and moral expectations.
However, Ortiz has rejected those criticisms, saying that a person’s previous occupation should not determine their ability to contribute to society.
She has pointed out examples of individuals from unconventional backgrounds entering politics around the world, arguing that democracy should allow citizens from different experiences and professions to participate in governance.
Her supporters say the criticism reflects broader social double standards, particularly toward women who have worked in stigmatised industries.
Historic Pact’s Role in Her Victory
Ortiz’s success was made possible through her inclusion on the list of Colombia’s Historic Pact, the political coalition associated with outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
The coalition emerged as the strongest force in the Senate elections, securing more than four million votes and winning 25 seats in the upper chamber. (Punch Newspapers)
Because Colombia uses a closed-list electoral system for some legislative elections, candidates gain seats based on their position on party lists and the overall performance of their political organisation.
Ortiz’s placement on the Historic Pact list allowed her to enter Congress despite her unconventional background.
Her Legislative Priorities
Now inside the Senate, Ortiz says her priorities extend beyond adult industry issues.
She has also spoken about improving mental health services, preventing sexual abuse and addressing inequalities affecting vulnerable communities.
She argues that her political agenda is rooted in broader questions of human rights and social justice rather than simply representing one specific group.
Her supporters believe her presence in Congress could bring attention to communities that are often ignored in traditional politics.
Sceptical New Chapter for Women in Politics
Ortiz’s election has reignited discussions about women, sexuality and political participation.
Supporters describe her victory as evidence that voters are increasingly willing to judge politicians based on their ideas and policies rather than their personal histories.
They argue that democratic institutions should represent different segments of society, including people whose experiences fall outside traditional political backgrounds.
Critics, however, remain sceptical and say elected officials must be evaluated according to ethical standards and public expectations.
The debate surrounding Ortiz reflects a wider global conversation about who gets to participate in politics and what qualifications should matter most.
From Stigma to Representation
For Ortiz, the journey from adult entertainment to the Colombian Senate represents a transformation from being judged by her past to being recognised for her political ambitions.
She has argued that society often consumes products created by marginalised groups while denying those same people a voice in decision-making spaces.
Her election challenges traditional ideas about political careers and demonstrates how personal experiences can become the foundation of a public platform.
Whether her tenure will produce significant legislative change remains to be seen, but her arrival in Colombia’s Senate has already made history.
Conclusion
The story of Amaranta Hank’s rise to the Colombian Senate is one of reinvention, controversy and political change.
From a former adult film actress to an elected lawmaker, Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz has transformed a controversial past into a political movement focused on rights, protection and representation.
Her supporters see her victory as a breakthrough for inclusion, while critics continue to debate whether her background should influence public trust.
Regardless of opinion, her election has created a major conversation about democracy, second chances and the evolving nature of political leadership in modern Colombia.