Bianca "Jiggly Caliente" Castro-Arabejo

Bianca Castro-Arabejo, beloved performer, advocate, sister, and friend—known to the world as the iconic drag artist Jiggly Caliente—passed away on April 27, 2025, surrounded by love and those closest to her. She was 44.

Born in San Pedro, Laguna in the Philippines, Bianca immigrated to Queens, New York at age 10. From a young age, she exhibited fierce determination and an unbreakable spirit, fearlessly forging a path in a world that often failed to understand her. She dreamed of being a veterinarian, then an illustrator, but ultimately found her purpose and power on the stage—as a performer, artist, and trailblazer.

As Jiggly Caliente, she became a beacon of authenticity and unapologetic self-expression. She rose to national prominence on Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and later returned for All Stars 6, winning hearts not just for her humor and flair, but for her vulnerability, strength, and honesty.

Her impact extended far beyond television. Jiggly was a devoted advocate for the transgender community, coming out publicly in 2016 and using her platform to inspire others to live their truth. She was featured in hit shows such as Pose, Broad City, Search Party, and Saturday Night Live, and made history as a co-host of Translation, the first all-trans talk show ensemble. She served as a judge on Drag Race Philippines, bringing her talent full circle to uplift a new generation of artists in her country of birth.

Her personality was as bold and beautiful as the message she carried: that everyone is worthy of love and visibility.

Bianca is survived by her beloved brother Gian, their loved ones, and a wide-reaching chosen family of friends, fans, and community members around the world. She faced personal struggles and health challenges with the same fierce spirit that defined her life—and even in her final days, she fought with courage and grace.

Her loss is immeasurable. Yet her presence lives on: in every life she touched, every barrier she broke, and every soul who now stands a little taller because of her light.

Bianca Castro-Arabejo gave herself completely—her beauty, her joy, her truth. We were lucky to have known her. We will carry her light always.

A fan visitation for Jiggly Caliente will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave, New York, New York 10028. The family asks that fans follow a dress code wear formal attire, pastels or bright colors in her honor.

A livestream broadcast of the funeral service can be viewed on Friday, May 16, 2025 beginning at 11:00 AM by following this link: https://memorialstream.online/jiggly-caliente/

A reception after party will follow at Rise Bar NYC (859 9th Ave., New York, NY 10019), that includes a viewing party of RuPaul's Drag Race, beginning at 7:00 PM. The family asks that fans follow a dress code of formal attire, pastels or bright colors in her honor.

All other scheduled services are private.

Donations in her memory can be made by visiting: www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-jiggly-caliente?modal=donations&tab=top

For those wishing to send flowers, the family asks that flowers stick to the color palette of white / soft pink. Deliveries for florals will be accepted on Thursday, May 15th beginning at 8:00 AM.

Please check this page for updates - as they become available.