'Drag Race' and 'Pose' Star Jiggly Caliente Dead at 44.

Jiggly Caliente, the 'Drag Race' star and transgender rights advocate, has passed away at the age of 44. Her death was announced in a statement from her family on social media, stating that she died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. Her death follows a month-long battle with a severe infection that led to the amputation of most of her right leg.

Caliente, known off-stage as Bianca Castro-Arabejo, was born on November 29, 1980, in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines. She then immigrated to New York City with her family at the age of 10. She faced early challenges, including bullying and expulsion from school, but found solace and expression in the drag community.

Adopting the stage name Jiggly Caliente—a nod to the Pokémon Jigglypuff—she became a fixture in New York's drag scene before gaining national attention on Season 4 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' in 2012. She later returned for "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Season 6 in 2021.​

Beyond the Drag Race stage, Caliente was a multifaceted artist and advocate. She appeared in television series such as FX's 'Pose' and Comedy Central's 'Broad City.' In 2018, released her debut hip-hop album, 'T.H.O.T. Process,' which featured lyrics in both English and Tagalog. In 2022, she became a permanent judge on "Drag Race Philippines," bringing her experience and cultural heritage to the forefront of the franchise.​

In 2016, Caliente publicly came out as a transgender woman, becoming a visible and vocal advocate for trans rights. She used her platform to support and inspire others, emphasizing that her identity did not define her talent. "I wanted to come out because I was ready," she said in a 2018 interview, "Being a trans woman is not what defines me."

News of her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the LGBTQ+ community and fellow performers. Michelle Visage, a judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race," remembered her as a beloved friend: "You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel." The official Drag Race social media accounts honored her legacy, stating, "Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten."