Ex-porn actor, HIV-positive and political activist, becomes minister in Colombia
Posted on: Aug 03, 2025 20:47 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Juan Carlos Florian, a former porn doer and mirthful rights activistic has suit Colombia's new equality minister, colombiaone.com reported on Saturday. Juan Carlos Florian appointment to the cabinet became official on Saturday despite opposition and public backlash.
Florian, who was a sex worker and creator of gay porn, will head up a department that guarantees vulnerable communities get access to social programmes.
Juan Carlos Florian has already served as a junior minister and worked in various international organisations.
More than 50 ministers have passed through leftist Gustavo Petro's cabinet since he took office three years ago.
Juan Carlos Florian, a political scientist with over twenty years of experience in human rights advocacy and international cooperation, had been serving as vice minister of equality since April.
He has openly shared his personal journey.
In an Instagram post, he wrote, "I come from the streets, from the struggle, from real activism. I was a sex worker, I made adult content, I am HIV positive, and I was a migrant."
He mentioned his qualifications alongside his background, stating, "But I am also a political scientist, I have been a builder of public policies, a public manager, a human rights defender, a vice minister and, above all, a son of the people who does not forget where he comes from."
Florian's history in adult entertainment had sparked political debate within the Colombian government. The ministry of equality was initially headed by vice president Francia Márquez, who reportedly opposed Florian's nomination to the vice-ministerial post when it was first introduced.
President Petro addressed the controversy during a nationally televised ministerial council, saying, "Nobody who is Black is going to tell me that we have to exclude a porn actor who created a workers union in Paris."
Petro has remained firm in his support of Florian, pointing to his expertise and the challenges he's overcome. The president recalled that Florian received death threats while leading Bogota's LGBTI office, prompting him to flee to Paris, where he had to "resort to becoming a Webcam model to survive." Florian has confirmed his involvement in a sex worker's union in Paris.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.