Juan Carlos Florián Silva

Juan Carlos Florián Silva (born October 20, 1982) is a Colombian political scientist, activist, human rights defender and politician who has served as Minister of Equality and Equity from 2025 to 2026 under President Gustavo Petro.

Born in Ibagué, Tolima, Florián has been known for his work within the LGBTQ community. In February 2025, he became the first Deputy Minister of Diversity under Minister Carlos Rosero and later became Minister of Equality and Equity in August 2025 following the resignation of Carlos Rosero.

Biography Florián holds a degree in political science from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. He holds a master's degree in political communication from the University of Lleida. He was a key figure during mayoralty of Gustavo Petro, serving as the first deputy director for LGBTI Affairs. He has also served as a communications strategy advisor at the Consulate of Colombia in Paris. He has worked in the public sector and in non-governmental organizations such as Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders.

Florián's appointment as Deputy Minister sparked debate in Colombian politics, as during his years living in Paris he worked as an adult film actor in productions aimed at gay audiences. With comments both for and against, the controversy led the then Minister of Equality, Francia Márquez, to oppose his appointment and block Florián's inauguration as Deputy Minister for over a year.

Personal life Florián is HIV-positive.