Jiggly Caliente, born Bianca Castro, has faced a significant health challenge resulting in the amputation of most of her right leg due to a severe infection. The 44-year-old drag performer and actress, known for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 and All Stars 6, as well as her role in FX’s Pose, was hospitalized over the past month. Her family shared this heartbreaking news via a statement on April 24, 2025, expressing that her recovery will be extensive and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Impact on Professional Commitments
As a result of her health condition, Jiggly will not be participating as a judge in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines, a role she has held since 2022. She will also be stepping back from all public engagements to focus on her recovery. Her family has encouraged fans to send messages of support through her social media channels, emphasizing the importance of uplifting her with hope and love during this time.
Community Support and Well-Wishes
The drag and LGBTQ+ communities have rallied around Jiggly, offering messages of love and encouragement. Fellow drag performers, including Bob the Drag Queen, Darienne Lake, Ginger Minj, and Eva Le Queen, have publicly expressed their support. Bob the Drag Queen wrote, “Jiggly I love you so much. You always keep it so real. A true diva. Heal up sis,” while Darienne Lake added, “You’re surrounded by all of us who love you and will be there for you.” These heartfelt messages underscore the strong bonds within the drag community and the widespread admiration for Jiggly.
A Legacy of Resilience and Inspiration
Jiggly Caliente has long been celebrated for her authenticity, resilience, and contributions to the drag and LGBTQ+ communities. After coming out as a transgender woman in 2016, she has been an advocate for trans visibility and empowerment. Her journey from a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race to a judge on its Philippine iteration reflects her growth and influence in the drag world. Despite this recent health setback, her legacy as a performer and advocate remains impactful.
Looking Ahead
While Jiggly focuses on her recovery, the outpouring of support from fans and peers alike serves as a testament to her strength and the positive impact she has had on many lives. Her family and drag house have expressed deep gratitude for the continued support, strength, and prayers during this challenging time. As she embarks on this new chapter, the community stands with her, offering unwavering support and love.
The Journey Toward Healing
As Jiggly Caliente begins her recovery journey, both physical and emotional resilience will be central to her healing process. The amputation of a limb marks a profound life change, but Jiggly has long been known for her strength and unshakeable spirit in the face of adversity. Her fans and peers anticipate that, in time, she will share more about her experience and possibly use her platform to raise awareness about health care access and recovery resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community—particularly trans women of color, who often face disparities in medical treatment and support systems. Medical professionals emphasize that with proper care, rehabilitation, and emotional support, individuals who experience limb loss can regain mobility and continue living full, impactful lives. Given Jiggly’s history of breaking barriers and inspiring others, many believe she will emerge from this experience with new insights and an even stronger voice in advocacy.
A Message of Hope and Empowerment
Jiggly’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the strength found in community support. While her future may now include new physical challenges, her identity as a beloved performer, advocate, and cultural icon remains unchanged. Fans have begun sharing their own stories of survival and resilience in response to her situation, creating a space of shared strength and solidarity. In many ways, Jiggly continues to embody the spirit of drag: transformation, perseverance, and fierce authenticity. Her journey, though marked by pain and difficulty, is already inspiring others to confront their own struggles with courage and grace. Whether on stage or off, Jiggly Caliente continues to radiate the energy of a true queen—unapologetically real and endlessly empowering.
Final Thoughts
The path ahead for Jiggly Caliente will undoubtedly involve significant personal adjustments, but she does not walk it alone. From heartfelt tributes by fellow drag artists to messages from fans across the globe, her support system is vast and unwavering. While she takes the necessary time to heal and rebuild, her influence remains deeply felt.
As the LGBTQ+ and drag communities await her return, there’s a shared hope that this moment of hardship will one day be seen not as a tragedy, but as yet another chapter in Jiggly’s story of resilience, reinvention, and radical self-love. Her strength continues to inspire, reminding everyone that even in our most vulnerable moments, we can still shine.
