Who Was Jiggly Caliente, the Late Filipina-American Drag Queen?

The drag and LGBTQIA+ communities are mourning the loss of Jiggly Caliente, who passed away at the age of 44, as her family shared in a public announcement. 

Just days earlier, they had revealed that the drag queen had undergone a leg amputation and would be stepping away from public appearances. Known for her artistry, activism, and infectious spirit, Jiggly Caliente leaves behind a vibrant legacy that touched countless lives around the world. 

Jiggly Caliente, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, was born in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines. At just 10 years old, she moved to Sunnyside, Queens in New York City along with her mother and brother, where she would grow up and later launch her drag career.

Although she had been transitioning privately, Jiggly publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2016. In interviews, she expressed that she wanted her coming out to be on her own terms, separate from her Drag Race storyline, emphasizing that her identity was deeply personal and not a “gimmick.”

Jiggly Caliente crafted her stage name as a playful homage to the Pokémon Jigglypuff. In an interview with Socialite Life, she shared that she chose “Jiggly” because she found herself just as cute as the beloved character. To spice it up, she added “Caliente”—the Spanish word for “hot”—to capture her fiery persona.

Jiggly competed in Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012, where she placed eighth overall. Her bold performances, charisma, and authenticity made her a standout figure among fans of the show.

Before gaining fame on Drag Race, Jiggly made her acting debut with a small role on the popular TV series Ugly Betty. She would later return to acting after her reality TV fame, appearing on shows like Broad City and Search Party.

One of her significant acting roles post-Drag Race was in Ryan Murphy’s critically acclaimed series Pose, where she portrayed Veronica Ferocity, a member of the House of Ferocity.

Jiggly competed once again in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 6. Although she was eliminated in the second episode, placing twelfth overall, her return was celebrated by fans eager to see her evolution as a performer and individual.

Jiggly made waves in the music scene with her 2018 album T.H.O.T. Process, which she described in interviews as a departure from the typical “drag” music genre. Drawing from her New York roots and love for hip-hop, she created an album that reflected her true self.

Jiggly served as a judge on Drag Race Philippines alongside Paolo Ballesteros and KaladKaren, with rotating judges including BJ Pascual, Jon Santos, and Rajo Laurel. However, on April 24, 2025, it was announced that she would not be returning to the show after undergoing a leg amputation due to a severe infection.

On April 27, 2025, Jiggly Caliente's family confirmed her passing through a heartfelt statement posted to her Instagram account. They remembered her as “a luminous presence” and highlighted the profound impact she had through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connections she fostered. “Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light,” the family wrote.

Rest in peace, Jiggly!