Jiggly Caliente: A Star’s Sudden Farewell
News like this shocks and stings. Jiggly Caliente, a face and name cherished not just by drag fans but by anyone touched by her advocacy, passed away at 44. It didn’t feel possible. Known to many as Bianca Castro-Arabejo, her family shared the news early Sunday, April 27, 2025. It came only days after they revealed Caliente was fighting for her life, battling a brutal infection that led to most of her right leg being amputated. The details are still private, but the loss is painfully public — a ripple through social media and the hearts of LGBTQ+ communities everywhere.
Her family’s statement captured what so many saw in her: "luminous presence," "infectious energy," and "unwavering authenticity." Language like that isn’t just thrown around. Jiggly wasn’t the type to fade in the background; she lit rooms on and off stage. She had a gift — for performance, for making you laugh, for making your story feel seen even if you never met. Even in her hardest moments, she showed what pride and vulnerability can look like side by side.
From Reality Competition to Real-World Advocacy
Drag Race fans can replay her journey in their heads. Jiggly broke out in Season 4’s electrifying mix, where queens either crashed under pressure or soared. She soared. Later, she returned for All Stars Season 6, never softening her edges — her humor sharp, her point of view sharper. But her path didn’t end with the show. Jiggly carved out a space on LGBTQ+ TV with guest spots on "Pose" and "Broad City," and her hosting role on "RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines". That show made her a judge, but for many in the Philippines and Filipino diaspora, she was already a role model. She proved a trans woman of color could be visible, powerful, and unafraid to take up space.
Her activism ran deep. Jiggly was outspoken about transgender rights, never shying from tough conversations. She joked about struggles and shared them, blazing a path for others to follow. For fans, she didn’t just wear makeup and high heels; she also wore her scars and told the truth about what it is to survive as a trans woman and immigrant. When her family asked for messages of hope during her health battle, her supporters answered in droves — artists, activists, and everyday people posting videos and tributes.
The RuGirl family rallied, too. Shea Couleé, herself a crown-winner, called her “one of a kind” and “an angel.” It’s easy to see why. Behind the wigs and music, Jiggly built communities wherever she went. LGBTQ+ youth, especially those still searching for a place to belong, felt seen. On stage, she could turn a lip sync into an earthquake. Offstage, her warmth started friendships in autograph lines, at festivals, and on Instagram DMs.
- First major TV appearance in 2012 on "RuPaul’s Drag Race" Season 4
- Came back for "All Stars" Season 6, pushing representation forward
- Moved into acting on shows like "Pose," expanding queer visibility
- Became a permanent judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines," spotlighting Filipino and Asian drag talent
No official cause of death has been shared. That’s the family’s story to tell if they ever choose. What stays obvious is this: her loss is being felt worldwide. So many people — fans, peers, young performers groping for hope — trace a little bit of their inspiration back to Jiggly Caliente. She taught us that resilience can be fierce, and sometimes, being yourself is the bravest act of all.
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