**Jiggly Caliente, Beloved Drag Queen and Activist, Passes Away at 44**

**Jiggly Caliente, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, has left a profound impact on the drag community and beyond, remembered for her joy, authenticity, and advocacy.**

Bianca Castro-Arabejo, famously known as Jiggly Caliente, has died at the age of 44, leaving a void in the hearts of her fans and loved ones. The drag performer gained popularity as a contestant on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and later became a judge on its Philippines counterpart. Recently, Caliente underwent surgery where part of her leg was amputated due to a severe infection, leading to her untimely passing early Sunday morning surrounded by family and friends.

The family shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, expressing their deep sorrow. “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,” the statement read. They praised her “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,” emphasizing her impactful legacy of love and courage. They noted, “Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”

Fellow drag performers have been vocal about their love and admiration for Caliente. Laganja Estranja remarked on her kindness, demonstrating the warm relationships Caliente fostered within the drag community. Baga Chipz described her as “one of the kindest, sweetest souls I've ever met,” while Cheryl The Queen vowed that they would “love you forever and always Jiggly.” Tia Kofi shared how Caliente was a source of advice and support, highlighting the genuine connections she made during her life. In heartfelt messages, Drag Race judge Michelle Visage expressed how deeply loved Caliente was, sending a message of farewell, urging her to “soar high.”

Caliente, who was born in the Philippines in 1980, moved to Queens in New York City during her childhood. She quickly became a fan favorite on RuPaul's Drag Race, celebrated for her humor and signature moments on the show. One notable incident on the program gave rise to the phrase “this is not RuPaul's Best Friend Race,” a memorable quote that has endured over the years.

Beyond her drag career, Caliente ventured into acting, landing roles in notable shows like Broad City and Search Party, and she portrayed Veronica in the acclaimed drama Pose, which spotlighted New York's LGBT ball culture in the '80s and '90s. After publicly coming out as transgender in 2016, Caliente returned to the Drag Race universe, competing in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2021 and judging the Philippines version of the show for three seasons. Tragically, her recent health challenges led to the amputation of most of her right leg, an event that preceded her passing and left the community in shock.