Cody Rigsby Talks New Book “XOXO, Cody” and Opens Up on the “Privilege and Beauty” of Being Queer

“An opinionated homosexual’s guide to self-love, relationships, and tactful pettiness,” is how celebrity fitness instructor and Dancing With the Stars alum Cody Rigsby describes his new auto-biography XOXO, Cody. In a recent interview with GLAAD’s Anthony Allen Ramos, Rigsby spoke about his experience writing the book, his relationship with his mother, offers some great advice, and his love for “our dear lord and savior Britney Jean Spears.”

Rigsby started by telling Ramos that after a long day of press and interviews, he had been looking forward to speaking with GLAAD. “I’m gonna feel so safe with Anthony. I was very excited for this moment for the end of my day,” he said. 

He then talked about different aspects of the memoir, including its exploration of his relationship with his mother. “I’ve always had a good relationship with my mom and, but it has also been rocky at times and it’s been a lot to process,” Rigsby explained. He opened up about how healing therapy has been for him. “If you’ve ever gone to therapy, we always know that most of that stuff comes from our childhood. And I think I really started to learn the reason I was acting a certain way towards her with some of that built up resentment.”

In addition to being a memoir, XOXO, Cody also includes some great dating advice. “I’ve always been the person in my friend group that gives really straightforward brash advice. I don’t sugar coat it because I think if we sugarcoat it, we’re doing, we’re doing the people that we love a disservice.” Rigsby says, “You gotta give it to them real and honest when they ask for it.” You’ll have to check out the book to learn more!

Rigsby, who hosted last year’s GLAAD Media Awards, also offered some advice for LGBTQ people in the work place. “I say our queerness also is our superpower. Lean into that in the office place,” he explained the power of just being yourself. “Don’t hold it back, lean into it and use it as leverage and your superpower.”

Rigsby spoke more about how grateful he is for his career and success thus far. He also spoke about his excitement about his upcoming book tour! “I‘m going on tour! So, if you wanna come see me in a city near you, go to my Instagram, go to the link in my bio, get tickets… we’re gonna have a really fun time.”

Don’t miss Cody as he travels the country for book signings, conversations with friends, and so much more. More information available here.

• New York, NY – City Winery – September 12 at 8:00pm ET
• Raleigh, NC – Quail Ridge Books – September 13 at 7:00pm ET
• Washington, D.C. – Sixth & I – September 14 at 7:00pm ET
• Madison, CT – RJ Julia Booksellers – September 18 at 5:00pm ET
• Minneapolis, MN – Mall of America – September 19 at 6:00pm CT
• San Francisco, CA – Book Passage at the Ferry Building – September 20 at 4:00pm PT
• Chicago, IL – Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville – September 21 at 7:00pm CT

XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual’s Guide to Self-Love, Relationships, and Tactful Pettiness is out now and is available for purchase here.