New York’s very own plus size Barbie and star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4, the infectiously adorable Jiggly Caliente is the latest queen preparing to take her rightful place on the G-A-Y Porn Idol throne, where she’ll oversee and judge things that can never EVER be unseen. Jason Reid and Jiggly had a natter this week ahead of her arrival in London….
Hey Jiggly, so this will be your first ever time in London and to mark this momentous occasion you’ll be getting down and dirty, judging G-A-Y Porn Idol. Excited about the trip?
Oh yeaaaah, I’m crazy excited about coming over. I’m hoping to see a lot of hot bodies and big dicks at Porn Idol.
I’m sure you’ll see lots of those [coughs]! So let’s go back to the start of your drag career, when and where did it all begin?
Initially, it all started as a dare in a New York club, when I was just 22. My friend had entered a drag competition and lost. So I said to her, “I reckon I could do that”. To which she responded “Well put your money where your mouth is then.” Which is exactly what I did; I went up, did my thing and luckily I won and became a star.
How would you define your style of drag?
For me, it’s about being urban glam. I love the hip-hop culture such as Missy Elliot, Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj, so I try to infuse as much of that into my performances as possible. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I do pop and other genres too. But I like performing stuff that I enjoy listening to myself.
How important is that to you? Performing music you like, personally?
Very! The way I see it is, the more I’m into it, the more it will show onstage. If I’m doing something that I’m not comfortable with, it’ll look like I’m just going through the motions.
You were in Season 4 of Drag Race. How would you sum up that whole experience?
It was a lot of fun but a real roller coaster ride! I got to meet some amazing people, make great new friends, and honestly, I loved each and every girl in my season to death. Despite what was aired or how things transpired I still wouldn’t change a thing about any of it. I think I was portrayed pretty well so I have no real complaints. For me, it was worth every single crazy second.
“Prepare for the unexpected. And like a good bottom, just take it, enjoy the ride and have fun.”
Would you do it again?
Maaaan, if they asked me to do it again, I totally would. It’s the chance of a lifetime you just don’t pass up.
Good on you, why not indeed! So, having been through the process yourself, what advice would you give to the queens preparing for Season 7?
Prepare for the unexpected. And like a good bottom, just take it, enjoy the ride and have fun. No matter what the outcome of the show, great things can come from it. The opportunities that arise are nothing short of amazing. I was just a New York City girl who had never been out of the country, and since the show I’ve been lucky enough to perform everywhere, and look, now I’m off to London!
Are you going to immerse yourself in the whole London tourist experience?
Absolutely! As well as partying, of course, I plan on doing the changing of the guards, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, and if I have time I MUST see Miss Saigon. It’s one of my all-time favourite musicals.
Sounds like you’re gonna have a great time. Finally, Jiiggly, how would you describe yourself in five words?
Bubbly. Funny. Silly. Pretty. Adorable.
• G-A-Y Porn Idol with Jiggly Caliente is at Heaven (Under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2H 6NG) on Thursday 25th September, 10pm-4am.
