In a move generating widespread attention, Juan Carlos Florian, a former gay porn actor and sex worker turned activist, has been appointed Equality Minister in Colombia.
A government source confirmed Florian’s appointment to AFP on Friday, describing it as part of President Gustavo Petro’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and protect vulnerable communities.
Florian, who has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, previously served as a junior minister and has held roles in international organizations focused on human rights and equality.
His new position places him at the helm of a department tasked with ensuring access to social programs for marginalized populations, a priority for the Petro administration.
The announcement is expected to stir considerable debate in Colombia, a country with deep Catholic traditions and conservative social values. Nonetheless, it marks another bold step in President Petro's reshuffling of government positions, more than 50 ministers have rotated through his cabinet since he took office three years ago.
No official statement has yet been released by the presidency or Florian himself regarding the appointment.
