Pride month: A panel with Lotte Jeffs
In partnership with GetGround
What better way to wrap up Pride Month than with a heartfelt conversation about queer life, love, and culture?
Unity Waterloo, partnered with our members GetGround — a tech-powered platform that makes building wealth through UK property investment simple for all landlords and investors — to host award-winning author, journalist, and LGBTQ+ advocate Lotte Jeffs.
The event buzzed with energy as members gathered in a safe, welcoming space to reflect, learn, and celebrate queer life and culture.
The evening began with Lotte reading excerpts:
"I was young, hot, and enjoying that heady cocktail of excitement and safety that comes from finding your people. Being gay was the best thing in my life, and in many ways it still is."
It set the tone for a relaxed, wide-ranging conversation, followed by drinks, nibbles and chatter.
Perspectives on awareness, inclusivity, and hope
Our discussions covered the many complexities of labels within the LGBTQ+ community, pointing out that people can feel hesitant or unsure when faced with unfamiliar identities. Lotte shared that they prefer being asked even the most difficult questions, opting for respectful honesty over silent curiosity and spoke candidly about how many intersex people feel exploited or deprived of choice and bodily autonomy.
It was fascinating to hear about the challenges of inclusivity within the community itself. Lotte reflected on the journeys of a lesbian couple who later found themselves in straight relationships, and the challenges they encountered. It was a reminder that identities can shift and evolve, and that we must hold space for everyone’s journey.
In a lighter moment, Lotte asked, “Where are all the 80‑year‑old lesbians?” It was a simple comment about ageing queers and retirement homes, but it underlined a big truth: every generation of queer voices deserves to be seen and heard.
When asked, “In a world with the current state of affairs, what gives you hope?”
Lotte shared a story about visiting their daughter’s primary school with another queer author to host an LGBTQ+ Pride play hour. The school’s acceptance and the joy of watching children dive into pride-themed activities were a powerful reminder that the next generation is naturally curious, open, and welcoming. In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat, those bright young faces give us reason for real hope.
It was a fantastic evening. To ensure every voice was heard, attendees were invited to pre-submit their questions. The result was an engaging and thoughtful Q&A, where no topic was off-limits. Lotte answered everything with humour, self-reflection, and honesty.
Lotte's recently co-authored book, Do Ask, Do Tell: Queer Life, Love and Culture Laid Bare, dives into the spectrum of sexuality, body image, the roles of Camp and Drag today, sex, partying, and ageing in queer life.
Lotte signed copies of the book and is seen here talking to our super-fan, sales manager Claire!
Why the conversation matters, at Unity and beyond
At Unity, we think it’s essential to bring these conversations and perspectives into our workplace, as they deepen empathy, spark creativity, and help build a culture where everyone can bring their full selves. As Lotte said:
"...another person's story lets us zoom out on our own communities and open our minds to people who might look, love, or live differently than we do."
Thank you to our hosts and community
A huge thank you to Jessica McQuillan, COO at GetGround, for hosting the evening.
"Events like tonight help us break down barriers and bring everyone into the conversation", said Jess.
Thanks also to our Waterloo Front of House team for the snacks and warm welcome, and—most of all—to every member who joined, listened, and shared. The energy in the room reminded us why these stories matter, here and now.
While Pride Month may have come to a close, our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion remains ongoing. If you missed the event, grab a copy of Do Ask, Do Tell and join the conversation. Here's to carrying this spirit of openness and pride forward—together.
Unity member Jessica McQuillan, from GetGround, hosted.