Jiggly Caliente’s funeral took place over the weekend, and legendary Drag Race star Manila Luzon paid tribute to her friend at the ceremony, in a heartfelt and humorous speech.
“It’s kind of crazy because all of the world pouring their love out for Jiggly, I really just wanted to get her opinion on what she thought because I know it would be awful. Jiggly Caliente and I got to do this drag queen life for 20 years. We supported each other, we helped each other along, we read each other constantly and we annoyingly dreamed big together.
She recalled their humble beginnings saying that “It all started back at The Web, the gay Asian club here in New York, just down the street,” where Jiggly wanted Manila to get the Miss Gay Asia America crown.
“It was my first pageant,” Manila explained. “The judges had other plans, I got runner up, not the first time,” referencing her runner-up finish on Drag Race season three.
Manila continued to share beautiful moments of friendship throughout their journey, including helping Jiggly with her Drag Race audition tape.
“And then a few years ago we got to do our biggest dream together, which was to go to the Philippines and do our drag at the highest level that we could at the time. I was filming Drag Den and she was judging Drag Race Philippines. Now we were supporting the new generations of drag,” Manila said.
She shared how the two had dinner together one night and reflected how far they’d come.
“I never knew that we’d get to do all of this, Jiggly,” she said, beginning to tear up. “I’m so sad that we can’t keep doing and dreaming bigger and bigger things together.
<EMEBED>
Jiggly passed away on 27 April at the age of 44. In a family statement posted to the star’s Instagram, her family wrote that she passed away “surrounded by her loving family and close friends” after a short illness and infection that resulted in her leg getting amputated. News of the drag legend’s tragic passing made headlines just a few days later
The family statement called Jiggly “A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy.”
“Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”
Drag up your life with a beautifully curated box made by your favorite drag queens! Subscribe to Drag Society today.