Jiggly Caliente, Beloved Drag Performer and Trans Icon, Passes Away at 44
Bianca Castro, known to the world as Jiggly Caliente, passed away at the age of 44, leaving behind a vibrant legacy as a drag performer, reality TV star, activist, and transgender icon. Her death has sent waves of grief through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, with fans, fellow performers, and friends mourning the loss of a charismatic trailblazer who brought joy, authenticity, and representation to screens and stages worldwide.
A Star on the Rise
Born on November 29, 1980, in Quezon City, Philippines, Bianca Castro grew up in the United States, where she would later make her mark as one of the most memorable figures in drag culture. Castro burst onto the global stage in 2011 as a contestant on Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where her larger-than-life personality, fierce lip-sync performances, and unapologetic charm won over audiences. As Jiggly Caliente, she embodied a unique blend of sass, humor, and heart, earning her a devoted fanbase despite not taking home the crown.
Jiggly’s journey didn’t end with her initial Drag Race appearance. In 2022, she returned to the franchise as a judge and mentor on Drag Race Philippines, where she brought her signature wit and wisdom to a new generation of queens. Her presence on the show was a powerful moment of representation for Filipino drag artists and the broader Asian diaspora, showcasing her pride in her heritage and her commitment to uplifting others.
A Voice for Representation
Beyond her drag persona, Bianca Castro was a vocal advocate for transgender rights and visibility. After publicly coming out as a transgender woman, she used her platform to share her journey, speaking candidly about her experiences with gender identity, self-acceptance, and the challenges faced by trans people, particularly trans women of color. Her openness resonated deeply with fans, many of whom saw her as a beacon of courage and authenticity.
Castro’s impact extended to scripted television as well. She appeared in the groundbreaking FX series Pose, which chronicled the lives of Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals in New York’s ballroom scene during the 1980s and 1990s. Her role as Veronica Ferocity showcased her acting chops and further cemented her status as a cultural force. She also made appearances on shows like Broad City and Search Party, proving her versatility as a performer.
A Legacy of Joy and Resilience
Jiggly Caliente was more than a performer—she was a symbol of resilience. Her journey from a young immigrant navigating life in the U.S. to a celebrated figure in global pop culture was marked by determination and an unwavering commitment to being true to herself. Whether she was delivering a show-stopping performance, sharing heartfelt advice with aspiring queens, or advocating for marginalized communities, Jiggly brought an infectious energy that left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Tributes have poured in from fans, friends, and fellow Drag Race alumni on social media platforms like X, where hashtags like #JigglyCaliente and #RestInPower have trended in the wake of her passing. “Jiggly was a light in every room she entered,” wrote one fan. “Her laughter, her heart, her fearlessness—she gave us so much.” Another tribute from a fellow drag queen read, “You showed us how to be bold, how to be real, and how to love ourselves. Thank you, Jiggly, for everything.”
A Community in Mourning
As of now, no official cause of death has been disclosed, and representatives for Castro have asked for privacy for her family and loved ones during this difficult time. The outpouring of love and support online reflects the profound impact she had on her community and the entertainment world. Vigils and memorials are being planned in cities like New York and Manila, where fans and friends will gather to celebrate her life and contributions.
A Lasting Impact
Jiggly Caliente’s legacy is one of joy, authenticity, and advocacy. She broke barriers as a Filipino-American trans woman in a world that often marginalizes such voices, proving that representation matters and that love and talent can transcend boundaries. Her performances, whether on Drag Race, Pose, or the stages of countless clubs, were a testament to the power of self-expression. Her activism reminded us of the importance of fighting for equality and visibility.
As the world says goodbye to Bianca Castro, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched, the queens she inspired, and the fans who will forever cherish her memory. Jiggly Caliente was, and always will be, a star—a dazzling, unforgettable force who reminded us all to live boldly, love fiercely, and never stop shining.
