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Colombia’s new Minister of Equality was once a sex worker and gay porn actor before building a career in public administration and human rights advocacy, it has emerged.
The appointment of 42-year-old political activist and LGBTIQ rights defender Juan Carlos Florian was confirmed on 1st August after a public and political debate over his past.
Florian, who holds a political science degree from the Pontifical Javierian University in Bogota, was previously Deputy Minister for Diversity and has also worked at the Colombian Consulate in Paris, the District Tourism Institute, and the Secretariat of Social Integration.
He has been open about his past, including having worked as a sex worker and performing in adult films.
His public disclosure included a statement shared via Instagram: "I was a sex worker, I created adult content, I'm HIV-positive, and I was a migrant.
"But I'm also a political scientist, I've been a public policymaker, a public manager, a human rights defender, a deputy minister, and, above all, a son of the people who hasn't forgotten where he comes from."
The ministry he now leads was created in 2023 under the government of President Gustavo Petro, who has faced criticism for the appointment but defended Florian's qualifications and background.
Florian replaces Carlos Rosero, with his promotion coming amid political tensions between Petro and former Vice President Francia Marquez, who had opposed his earlier appointment to the Equality portfolio.
His selection triggered strong reactions on social media, including a controversial post from congressman Miguel Polo Polo, who published what appeared to be a screenshot of adult content featuring Florian alongside a provocative comment likening his appointment to naming a notorious criminal to a children’s welfare post.
It reads: "Petro's leftist government is the new Minister of Equality. If he could, he would also appoint Garavito as director of the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF)."
The comparison, referencing convicted child abuser Luis Alfredo Garavito, sparked widespread condemnation online, with users accusing Polo Polo of violating Florian’s privacy and engaging in character attacks instead of policy debate.
Despite the controversy, the presidential website has since published Florian’s full resume, confirming his appointment and professional history.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Aloysius Fernandes
Byline Commisioning Editor: Aloysius Fernandes
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Copychecker: Angela Trajkovska
Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: Colombia
Subject: Humans, Men, People, Politicians, Society, Sex, Porn
T4 Editor Story Rating: 6
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 7
T4 Total rating: 6.5
