The world of entertainment, drag, and LGBTQ advocacy lost a radiant light on April 27, 2025.
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to millions as Jiggly Caliente, passed away peacefully at the age of 44, leaving behind a profound legacy of laughter, courage, authenticity, and hope.
While her passing is heartbreaking, her influence and the countless lives she touched will forever endure.
A Star Is Born: Early Life and Beginnings
Born on November 29, 1980, in San Pedro, Philippines, Bianca Castro-Arabejo’s journey began across the seas in the humble setting of a tight-knit family. In 1991, seeking better opportunities, she immigrated to the United States with her mother and brother — a transition that would shape her identity, resilience, and artistry.
Growing up as an immigrant woman of color in New York City, Bianca experienced both the richness of cultural pride and the harshness of societal challenges firsthand. These early experiences laid the foundation for her later work as a drag performer, artist, and advocate.
The origins of her iconic drag name, Jiggly Caliente, were playfully inspired by the beloved pink character Jigglypuff from the Pokémon franchise — soft, charming, and deceptively powerful. “Caliente,” meaning “hot” in Spanish, completed a name that would soon become legendary in drag and pop culture.
Rising to Fame: The ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Era
In 2012, Jiggly Caliente burst onto the global stage during Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Fans instantly connected with her contagious energy, fierce humor, relatable vulnerability, and bold, no-holds-barred personality. Whether she was serving fierce runway looks, delivering hilarious confessionals, or splitting and dancing with unmatched vigor, Jiggly quickly became a fan favorite.
Although she was eliminated in the seventh episode, her impact had already been cemented.
Her parting words to RuPaul during All Stars 6 years later would be etched into fans’ hearts forever:
“Thank you so much for showing every chubby little brown girl in the world that there is always a girl to look up to. This doesn’t break me. This doesn’t end me. This is not the last of me.”
And she was right — it was only the beginning.
Iconic Moments That Defined a Legend
Among the many unforgettable moments from her time on Drag Race, one stands out that later became part of the show’s mythology.
In a tense exchange, Jiggly called out fellow competitor Lashauwn Beyond for her makeup skills. Lashauwn’s quick retort —
“This is not ‘RuPaul’s Best Friend Race’”
— became an iconic catchphrase in the Drag Race universe, quoted by queens and fans for years to come.
Jiggly’s wit and authenticity helped shape the very culture of the show, leaving behind a colorful legacy of humor and resilience.
Beyond Drag Race: A Multifaceted Career
Jiggly’s career flourished far beyond her time as a competitor. She returned for All Stars Season 6 in 2021 and then ventured into acting, music, and judging roles.
In 2022, she became a full-time judge on Drag Race Philippines, proudly bringing her Filipino heritage front and center into the international limelight.
During the Bring Back My Girls reunion show, she passionately declared:
“When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina. I am a proud immigrant woman.”
Her judging role wasn’t just about critiquing contestants; it was about representing generations of Filipinos and immigrant voices often overlooked in global entertainment.
She also made significant appearances in TV series, most notably portraying Veronica Ferocity, a shopkeeper in the acclaimed FX series Pose.
The show, set in New York’s ballroom scene of the 1980s, celebrated LGBTQ+ culture and history, giving Jiggly a powerful platform to embody and honor her authentic self.
Beyond Pose, she also appeared in Search Party and even graced the iconic stage of Saturday Night Live.
Music Career: Giving Voice to Her Story
In 2018, Jiggly expanded her creative wings by releasing her debut hip-hop album, T.H.O.T. Process.
The project wasn’t just another celebrity album — it was a vibrant, high-energy exploration of her life experiences, self-love, and resilience.
Tracks on the album even included raps in Tagalog, proudly showcasing her Filipino roots. Collaborations with RuPaul, Sharon Needles, Peppermint, Alaska, Ginger Minj, Phi Phi O’Hara, and Manila Luzon made the album a joyous celebration of drag artistry and LGBTQ empowerment.
A Courageous Journey: Coming Out as Transgender
In 2016, Jiggly Caliente made another brave move by publicly coming out as transgender during a podcast appearance. She further shared her story in a 2018 interview with Billboard.
What touched so many was her honesty:
She revealed that during her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she had already been living as a trans woman but chose not to make it her storyline.
“Being a trans woman is not what defines me,” she said.
“I didn’t want it to overshadow my art. I wanted to be seen for my talent, my humor, my heart.”
Her coming out wasn’t just a personal milestone; it became a beacon of strength for thousands of fans struggling with their own gender identities.
Her words, authenticity, and courage helped foster greater visibility and compassion for the trans community in mainstream entertainment.
Health Struggles and Final Days
In early 2025, fans became concerned when news broke that Jiggly had been hospitalized with a severe infection.
Her family later revealed that complications required the amputation of most of her right leg.
Despite her unbreakable spirit and the love surrounding her, Jiggly’s health rapidly declined.
On April 27, 2025, at 4:42 a.m., Jiggly Caliente passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and close friends.
Her family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram:
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans worldwide.”
The RuPaul’s Drag Race team also honored her memory:
“Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten. Her legacy will continue to slay — always.”
Tributes Pour In
The world mourned.
Fans, fellow drag performers, LGBTQ activists, and celebrities alike flooded social media with tributes celebrating Jiggly’s life and contributions.
Memories were shared — of her humor, her dancing, her warm hugs at fan meet-and-greets, her mentorship to younger queens, and her fierce pride in her heritage and identity.
She wasn’t just a performer; she was a movement.
Jiggly’s Legacy: More Than Just a Drag Queen
Jiggly Caliente taught the world that beauty comes in every size, every color, and every identity.
She showed that vulnerability is strength, authenticity is power, and dreams are for everyone — not just those who fit a narrow mold.
She was a voice for chubby little brown girls, for queer immigrants, for trans youth searching for role models, and for everyone who ever felt like an outsider.
Her life reminds us all that being yourself is the fiercest thing you can do.
Final Thoughts: Slay On, Queen
As we mourn Jiggly Caliente’s passing, we also celebrate the vibrant, unapologetic life she led.
Though her physical presence is gone, her spirit — bold, loving, and hilarious — will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.
In her honor, may we all live a little more bravely, love a little more fiercely, and dance a little more wildly.
Rest in power, Jiggly Caliente.
You’ll always be our star, lighting up the world with your eternal sparkle.