Ru Pual’s Drag Race contestant, Jiggly Caliente had plenty to say to me at Hombres Lounge. I first saw the talented queen in Pride Parade lip-synching to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé’s “Telephone” in her own All-American outfit. The entertainer draws inspiration from the styles and fashions of Baby Phat, House of Dereon, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Kimora Lee Simmons. Jiggly’s urban style makes it a no-brainer as to why Ru Paul would call her the Queen from the Hood. Season four was the time to shine for Jiggly, as suggested by previous contestants Sahara and Manila.
Even though viewers may believe that Phi Phi was the one who sabotaged Jiggly, a lot of things were on Jiggly’s mind. One of the difficult challenges that Jiggly Caliente faced on the show was herself and the loss of her mother. “At 31 years old, I didn’t think that my childhood insecurities or issues would surface the way they did on the show. I thought I was done with that at fifteen,” Jiggly says about her coming-out process. “It was not an overnight process.” Surprisingly her mother and brother were the most supportive, and the acceptance of her family is worth more than the cash prize of $100K. “I am a lot stronger than I thought I was.” It is remarkable that Jiggly manages to have a great sense of humor, despite what has happened.
The quest for being the best drag queen is not an easy one. “Dr. Scholls will be your best friend,” she tells me when describing the length of the twelve hour shoot. Jiggly advises future contestants and rising drag queens to put on, “Foundation! Foundation! Foundation! Your makeup be blended and have your personality show.” Jiggly Caliente definitely served it with her high energy performances and hooddlicious fashion.
