Remembering Jiggly Caliente: The Tragic Story Behind Her Leg Amputation And Enduring Legacy

The news of Jiggly Caliente's passing in April 2025 sent a wave of shock and grief through the global LGBTQ+ and entertainment communities. As of today, December 18, 2025, her memory continues to be honored, particularly as fans revisit the tragic health event that preceded her death: a severe infection that necessitated the amputation of her right leg. This heartbreaking circumstance immediately connects to the intense curiosity surrounding the search query "Jiggly Caliente leg."

The Filipino-American drag performer, actress, and advocate, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, was known for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. Her final days were marked by a serious health setback that tragically cut short the life of a luminous and beloved figure, leaving behind a powerful legacy on and off the screen.

A Luminous Life: Jiggly Caliente's Full Biography and Career Timeline

Jiggly Caliente, a name synonymous with resilience and charisma, built a multifaceted career that transcended the drag stage. Born in the Philippines and raised in New York City, she became a prominent voice for the transgender community and a trailblazer in mainstream media. Her biography is a testament to her dedication to her art and advocacy.

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• Real Name: Bianca Castro-Arabejo
• Birth Name: Paulo Arabejo (pre-transition)
• Date of Birth: November 29, 1980
• Place of Birth: San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines
• Date of Death: April 27, 2025
• Age at Passing: 44
• Hometown/Raised: Sunnyside, Queens, New York City
• Nationality: Filipino-American
• Gender Identity: Transgender Woman
• Known For: Drag Performance, Acting, Singing, LGBTQ+ Advocacy
• Major TV Appearances:
  • RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4 (2012)
  • RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021)
  • Pose (FX Series, Recurring Role as Veronica)
  • Drag Race Philippines (Permanent Judge, Seasons 1-3)
  • Drag Race Philippines: Meet the Queens (Host)
• Music Career: Released the debut album T.H.O.T. Process (2018), featuring singles like "F*ckboi" and "RuPaul's Drag Race" (The Song).
• Notable Advocacy: Spoke openly about her transition journey, body positivity, and the challenges facing transgender women of color.
• Other Projects: Appeared in the documentary Stonewall Forever (2019) and various web series.

Jiggly first rose to national prominence as a contestant on *RuPaul's Drag Race* Season 4. Though eliminated early, her memorable personality, catchphrases, and signature "jiggle" cemented her status as a fan favorite and a true *Drag Race* alum. Her return for *All Stars 6* showcased her growth, maturity, and polished drag aesthetic, earning her even more love from the fandom.

The Health Crisis: Understanding the Severe Infection and Amputation

The final chapter of Jiggly Caliente's life began with a sudden and severe health setback that required immediate hospitalization. This critical medical situation led directly to the event that the public became aware of: the amputation of her leg.

The family confirmed that Jiggly was hospitalized due to a "severe infection." While the exact nature or origin of the infection was not fully disclosed, its severity was grave enough to necessitate a drastic surgical intervention.

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In a desperate effort to save her life, doctors performed an amputation, removing "most of her right leg." This procedure, intended to halt the spread of the infection and prevent further systemic failure, was a profound and life-altering event for the performer.

Tragically, despite the best efforts of the medical team and the support of her family and fans, Jiggly Caliente passed away just days after the surgery on April 27, 2025, at the age of 44. Her death was officially attributed to complications arising from the severe infection and the subsequent amputation.

The news of the amputation and subsequent passing highlighted the fragility of life and sparked an outpouring of support for her family, as well as a renewed focus on health issues within the performing community. The phrase "Jiggly Caliente leg" became a poignant marker of the final, heartbreaking struggle she faced.

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The Enduring Impact of a Transgender Icon and Advocate

Beyond the drag competition stage, Jiggly Caliente made an indelible mark as an actress and an essential figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her role as Veronica in Ryan Murphy's groundbreaking series *Pose* was a significant achievement, allowing her to showcase her acting talent and represent a transgender woman of color on a major television network.

Her work as a permanent judge on *Drag Race Philippines* was perhaps her most influential post-*Drag Race* role, where she mentored a new generation of Filipino drag artists. This position allowed her to connect with her heritage and use her platform to elevate the drag scene in the Philippines, a role she embraced with passion and pride.

Tributes and Legacy: The Forever Fabulous Queen

The reaction to Jiggly's death was immediate and widespread. Tributes poured in from fellow queens, celebrities, and fans around the world, all mourning the loss of Bianca Castro-Arabejo.

The *RuPaul's Drag Race* franchise, including *Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale*, paid emotional homage to the "Forever Fabulous" queen, recognizing her as a luminous presence in entertainment and advocacy. Her family's statement described her as "celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity."

Her legacy is not just one of a drag queen who could turn a look or deliver a memorable line, but of a courageous transgender advocate who lived her truth openly. She used her visibility to champion the rights and visibility of the trans community, particularly those of Filipino descent.

Jiggly Caliente's story—from her humble beginnings in the Philippines to the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood—is a powerful narrative of ambition, self-discovery, and love. The circumstances surrounding her passing, brought to light by the search for "Jiggly Caliente leg," serve as a tragic reminder of her final struggle, but it is her vibrant life and enduring spirit that will be remembered by millions.

Rest in perfection, Jiggly. The world will never forget that girl.