Puerto Rican drag performer Jiggly Caliente, best known for competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died at 44. Her friends and family have always called her Bianca Castro-Arabejo. For many, she first stole hearts in 2012 when she became a breakout star on the fourth season of the legendary reality competition. Caliente has established an incredibly impactful legacy as both a performer and an advocate for the transgender community. Her impact is felt even more profoundly by her adoring fans and fellow queens.
She captivated the drag scene with her colorful, sparkling performances and brilliance. Her impact reached far beyond this, as she became a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community. She re-entered the “Drag Race” franchise in season six of “All Stars,” which illustrated her evolution since transitioning. In that season, she shared the stage with fellow trans queen Kylie Sonique Love, further highlighting diverse representation in the show.
In addition to her participation in “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Caliente became the host of the Filipino counterpart, “Drag Race Philippines.” Her work extended beyond entertainment as she actively advocated for transgender rights, using her platform to elevate the voices of marginalized communities.
At the end of last year, Caliente experienced both health and economic trials. She had to have her right leg amputated in order to save her life from a bad infection. Her family announced news of this painful decision on April 24, highlighting just how serious her health challenges have been.
The drag community has united to honor Caliente in the days since her death. Australian drag queen Courtney Act expressed her sorrow with a heartfelt message:
“Love you, Jiggles.” – Courtney Act
Kerri Colby, another prominent figure in the drag world, shared her condolences, stating:
“Auntie we will miss you and carry your love for eternity! Fly high.” – Kerri Colby
Jiggly Caliente’s influence stopped at her performances, she was known for discussing representation and what drag means — especially for people of color — extensively. She once stated,
“There are a lot of trans people who do drag.” – Jiggly Caliente
This feeling struck a chord in the community and became a rallying cry to push for more inclusiveness.
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