Jiggly Caliente, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Star and LGBTQ+ Trailblazer, Dies at 44
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, widely known by her stage name Jiggly Caliente, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 44. Her family announced that she died peacefully following complications from a severe infection that led to the amputation of her right leg.
Jiggly rose to prominence as a contestant on Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012 and returned for All Stars Season 6 in 2021. She further cemented her legacy as a judge on Drag Race Philippines from 2022 onward. Beyond reality television, she showcased her acting talents in series such as Pose, Search Party, and Saturday Night Live.
Born in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, Jiggly moved to the United States at the age of 10, settling in Queens, New York. In 2016, she publicly came out as transgender, becoming a vocal advocate for transgender rights and representation. Her contributions extended to co-hosting Translation, a groundbreaking talk show featuring an all-trans cast.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow performers, celebrating Jiggly’s vibrant personality, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Jiggly Caliente’s legacy as an entertainer and advocate will continue to inspire and resonate within the drag and LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
