Photos courtesy of Golden Ratio
Golden Ratio, a new community hub in downtown Oakland, is the latest LGBTQ-owned business to strengthen the growing vibrant queer scene in the East Bay. Located at 1517 Franklin Street, Golden Ratio brings alive the vision of two music and hospitality legends: DJ Lady Ryan and Dennise Acio.
DJ Lady Ryan
As the official DJ for the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, DJ Lady Ryan already is well known to many of us in the Bay Area. She has an over twenty-year career as a DJ, curator, and community leader. Guided by a deep love of music and connection, she has shaped dance floors across the region through her work in public radio, nightlife, and major cultural events. Her sets reflect intention, cultural depth, and an intuitive ability to elevate any space.
As the Co-Founder of Golden Ratio, she brings this experience into Oakland’s newest bar and lounge, helping create a gathering place centered on joy, creativity, and community. Her vision champions spaces where people feel welcomed, energized, and inspired.
Dennise Acio
Rooted in Hawai’i, Acio is shaped by the spirit of aloha, family, and community. Over the past 20 years in the Bay Area, the heartbeat of her roots has guided her journey—as a seasoned bar and hospitality leader, certified massage therapist, Reiki master, dancer, event curator, and lifelong learner. Her background in culture, arts, and movement informs the way she approaches every space, infusing Golden Ratio with intention, creativity, and heart.
She currently serves as General Manager of a historic gay bar in the Bay Area, as well as co-leading Golden Ratio, and continues to focus on uplifting queer spaces and fostering connection.
‘Where Music Hits, Cocktails Feel Right, and Community Feels Real’
The Golden Ratio is a queer Black and Brown women-owned venue born from a shared vision of inclusion, artistic expression, and belonging. “Rooted in values of community and togetherness, the space is designed to foster creativity, joy, and authentic engagement for all who enter,” Co-Owners Ryan and Acio shared with the San Francisco Bay Times. “Every detail reflects a commitment to intention, balance, and harmony, inspired by the beauty and proportion of the golden ratio itself.”
They added, “Golden Ratio is a hub for movement, music, and cultural expression, offering a place where people can connect, dance, and be seen. Through thoughtfully curated experiences or an inviting environment that honors queer culture, Golden Ratio embodies safety, celebration, and the spirit of unity. At its heart, Golden Ratio is more than a bar; it is a destination to gather, celebrate, and participate in a community that values innovation, inclusivity, and meaningful connection.”
An Historic Location
1517 Franklin Street in Oakland has a rich history. Originally the site of a mixed-use office building, the location in the 1900s evolved into a dynamic entertainment destination.
There was a comedy club called Laugh City, a popular longstanding sports bar called Pat’s, an Art-Deco-inspired speakeasy known as the Amber Lounge, and, more recently, the music bar called The Layover. Jason Bradford of The Layover and who also was key to the success of Parliament in Oakland helped Ryan and Acio. “Jason really held our hands,” Ryan said. “He wanted us to have the space and had other offers for it with more money. He even went with us to get the liquor license, making sure we had all of the necessary paperwork.”
Plans for 2026
The Grand Opening celebration for the Golden Ratio was held on November 11, 2025, so the venue is just over a month old. It is, however, fast becoming a must-visit destination in the East Bay. As the owners say, “Golden Ratio is about that sweet spot where music hits, cocktails feel right, and community feels real.”
Ryan and Acio’s years of experience, cultivating their respective talents, and building their massive network, all are evident in this magical space. There is already regular programming, with comedy and karaoke every Wednesday, soul line dancing weekly, queer reggae every other week, special events that celebrate “being queer, trans, Brown & down!,” and collaborations with additional LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses, as well as businesses run by other women. Check out the Golden Ratio “Weekly Pour” schedule on Instagram @LadyRyan.
“We want to do even more to make the Golden Ratio a community hub,” DJ Lady Ryan said. “We want it to be a workspace during the day, where we will serve coffee, tea, and other non-alcoholic drinks. I am planning to do Sweet Spot events there (referring to her signature popups with La Femme Papi and others) and weekend brunches.”
Golden Ratio is conveniently located between two BART stations: 12th Street and 19th Street. The walk from either station is short and takes visitors past other Franklin Street businesses, such as the award-winning Sobre Mesa just a few doors down that is owned by renowned Chef Nelson German. As one commenter at Instagram wrote ahead of the Golden Ratio opening, “This is gonna be GOOD!”
Golden Ratio
1517 Franklin Street, Oakland
Wednesday–Sunday, 8 pm–2 am
East Bay’s Emerging Queer Mecca
Published on December 18, 2025
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