Jiggly Caliente, the celebrated Filipino-American drag performer who rose to fame through RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died at the age of 44 following complications from a severe infection. Her family confirmed that she passed away early Sunday morning, surrounded by close friends and loved ones.
Born Bianca Castro-Arabejo on 29 November 1980, Caliente was cherished by many for her trailblazing career in drag performance and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. In an emotional statement posted to Instagram, her family described her as a “luminous presence” whose artistry and activism touched countless lives around the globe.
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“She fostered a genuine connection with fans around the world,” the family wrote. “Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”
Health Struggles and Final Days
Just days before her death, Caliente’s family had revealed that she had undergone a partial leg amputation due to the severe infection. Despite efforts to treat the condition, her health deteriorated rapidly. She passed away at 4:42 a.m. on Sunday, 27 April 2025.
Caliente’s death comes as a profound shock to the drag community, which had recently celebrated her ongoing contributions to television and LGBTQIA+ visibility.
Tributes from the Drag Race Family
News of Caliente’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief and love from the drag and entertainment communities. Michelle Visage, BBC Radio 2 DJ and longtime RuPaul’s Drag Race judge, paid tribute on Instagram:
“My jiggles …. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high ….. I love you so much honey.”
Drag Race Philippines and producers World of Wonder, where Caliente had been a judge since 2022, issued a joint statement:
“We are devastated. Jiggly’s humour, love, and light touched so many in the Drag Race family and beyond. Her legacy will continue to uplift the communities she advocated for. We ask for privacy and space for her family to grieve this tremendous loss.”
A Journey from Manila to New York, and to Global Stardom
Caliente’s journey began in the Philippines before she moved to New York as a child. Her upbringing in a new country helped shape her identity and resilience, traits she later channelled into her drag artistry.
Caliente first captivated audiences during Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012. Known for her infectious humour, strong lip-sync performances, and candid vulnerability, she became a fan favourite despite facing challenges, particularly during sewing challenges that often placed her at risk of elimination. Ultimately, she exited the competition before the finale, with Sharon Needles taking the crown that season.
Beyond her season, Caliente remained a vital part of the Drag Race family. She returned to the screen for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 6, where she shared her journey of coming out publicly as transgender. Her visibility and authenticity paved the way for broader representation of trans performers within the drag and entertainment industries.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Representation
Jiggly Caliente’s impact extended far beyond the stage and screen. As an outspoken advocate for transgender rights and LGBTQIA+ visibility, she worked tirelessly to promote inclusion within and beyond the drag community.
Her appointment as a judge for Drag Race Philippines marked a proud milestone both personally and for the community she represented. Her work resonated particularly with queer Asian communities around the world, offering both representation and inspiration to younger generations.
A Community in Mourning
Caliente’s death adds to the list of beloved Drag Race alumni who have passed away far too soon, including Cherry Valentine, The Vivienne, Sahara Davenport, and Chi Chi DeVayne. Each loss is felt deeply within the community, but Caliente’s death — at the height of her influence — leaves an especially painful void.
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Jiggly Caliente’s humour, heart, and fearless authenticity left an indelible mark. Her life serves as a testament to the power of living unapologetically, loving openly, and creating spaces where others can do the same.
As her family beautifully expressed: “The joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”
