4 QTPOC-Owned Queer and Trans Friendly Places for Radical Self Care in Oakland

Life, as most queer and trans people know it, can be extra rough out there – which makes it all the more important to save time for self care. But, if we’re being honest, in a world where heteronormativity and all of the toxicity that can go along with that is sadly the norm, finding the time, funds, or emotional energy to invest in self care can be tough.

Luckily, with sliding scale costs, community-driven missions, and origins grounded in empathy, these 4 QPTOC-owned wellness and fitness spaces in Oakland, CA make it just a little bit easier to feel better – no matter your preferred method of self care.+

Bayan Roots

Folx with frequent migraines and chronic pain that just won’t quit, rejoice! Built in the spirit of community, Bayan Roots is a massage and wellness studio in Oakland’s Dimond District that offers massage therapy, trigger point therapy, acupressure, craniosacral therapy, deep tissue massage, Tui Na and more.

As soon as you step in, deep purple walls and the most soothing vibes greet guests warmly at the door – a reassuring sign for the good to come.

Founded by Rocco Foronda in 2015, a first generation Filipino-American non-binary person, Bayan Roots prides itself on working “with” people, not “on” them, to assist in the journey to attain individual goals.

Putting yourself in the care of a stranger is an incredibly vulnerable experience. Knowing this, Bayan Roots aims to create a safe space, removing much of the discomfort that comes with seeking care in many wellness spaces. Bayan Roots “challenges the norms of the health and wellness world by modeling a queer and trans-inclusive, POC welcoming, and body positive space.” And for that, we say thank you.

With a goal of keeping the space accessible, Bayan Roots offers a Community Roots Program to help make their services available to folx who would not otherwise be able to afford them.

Accessibility info:

Bayan Roots is a low scent environment and is located on street level with no steps up to the door or inside the space. Unfortunately, the bathroom is not ADA compliant.

Learn more about Bayan Roots on their website.

Radically Fit

If you’re looking to move your body in a queer and trans friendly space that’s free of the toxic masculinity vibes that run rampant in most gyms, look no further than Radically Fit Founded by Lindsey Page, a queer Latina woman of color, Radically Fit is Oakland’s body positive community gym for all queer, trans, POC, big bodied and fat identified folx and their allies –  regardless of experience or ability.

The gym is focused on strength and conditioning – not weight loss, and was built to serve the LGBTQ and POC community by offering an inclusive, safe space for anyone to workout and build strong relationships.

From Rad Fit’s merch (which features 5 bodies of various colors, shapes and sizes) to the fact that their gym has no mirrors, scales or mention of dieting, the spirit of their mission can be heard loud and clear.

Even Radically Fit’s class offerings speak to their dedication to serving their community. Group classes like their Trans*/GNC Mind Body alignment class, a strength and conditioning class exclusively for people of color, and a yoga class for class for folks who identify as fat or bigger bodied confirm that there is intentional effort made around creating the sense of community that helps members feel at home.

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We also have to mention the fact that they have a Community Cares Program with a “no one turned away for lack of funds” policy, which goes miles towards removing the financial barriers that can make healthy fitness experiences harder to come by.

Accessibility info:

Radically Fit is located on street level with no steps up to the door or inside the space. The restroom is gender neutral and ADA compliant.

Learn more about Radically Fit on their website.

In Lak’ech Dance Academy

Queer dance parties are fan favorite for so many reasons. Is there anything more affirming then moving your body to a fire beat along side other queer and trans folx who are seeing you while you’re seeing them too? There’s something to dancing, folx, and there is absolutely something to In Lak’ech Dance Academy.

In Lak’ech is a queer, trans and allied salsa and bachata dance company based out of Oakland, CA. Their story starts in 2014 when Angelica Medina and Jahaira Fajardo met and fell in love on the dance floor. Hard swoon.

From there, In Lak’ech was born from the pair’s desire to create a community of queer and trans dancers to celebrate our resilience, nurture our collective strength and heal from oppression. 

Like in many situations where the gender comes into play, queer and trans folx can feel uncomfortable in the bachata scene, as it can be heteronormative. In Lak’ech set out to change that by aiming to redefining the Latin dance community as a safe and affirming space for all gender identities and sexualities. Yes. Please.

With award-winning bachata and salsa competition dance teams, In Lak’ech is pretty serious about helping folx discover and step into their identity with pride. But that isn’t to say that they don’t hold plenty of space for folx who are new to the dance scene. They have bachata and salsa classes for folx with little to no experience and weekly drop in days for folx who want to swing by and see how they feel.

Accessibility info:

Gender neutral restrooms are available, and Spanish and English is spoken. Unfortunately, the space is not wheelchair accessible.

Learn more about In Lak’ech Dance Academy on their website.

Beauty Botanica

Treating your hair to some TLC can absolutely be a form of therapy. You know that fresh cut (or color) feeling that only your truest barber bae can provide? Beauty Botanica founder Olivia Bianco-Chaidez specializes in just that, with over 12 year experience working with creative color and hair extensions.

Born and raised in Fruitvale neighborhood, Olivia’s mission with Beauty Botanica is “community taking care of community.”

It’s a mission you can tell she feels deeply, with art from local creatives adorning her walls, hosting a monthly queer party that benefits local organizations and new artists, and all around emanating energy so warm that folx can’t help but think of Beauty Botanica as more than just a place to go to help them look and feel amazing.

She proudly serves a clientele of mostly brown and black folx, and hopes that her shop in downtown Oakland can serve as some much needed refuge for queer folks in the East Bay.

You can schedule time at Beauty Botanica here and learn more here.