b'FIRST NATIONSIm constantly bringingwork I do, Turgeon says. What I bring to the table in terms of skillset, my light to the tableprofessionalism, my personality and what in terms of peopleI stand for has a lot to do with my success. Im at a place in my career path where I understanding someonehave recruiters reaching out to me on a regular basis. This is a new thing in the who is gay and gettinglast few years, but I attribute that to my to know someone who professional resume and experience.Turgeon, who has worked in real is [Anishinabe] estate for 17 years, says he has always openly identified as First Nations and as - ROBERT TURGEON a proud member of the gay community. Im proud of being [Anishinabe]. Its a big centre, dealing with the public on a dailyIve come to embrace Sioux Lookoutpart of who I am and where I come from, basis. Frankly people could be aggressiveas a result of my business [and] I like toafter all. My great-grandfather was the and abusive, feeling like they had the rightthink that perhaps Sioux Lookout hasfirst recognized Chief of Matachewan, to make comments about my lifestyle. Sobecome a little less homophobic becauseTurgeon says. that was a challenge. I have chosen to live my life here, ArpinIm also proud of being a successful Arpin, who also works as a filmmaker,says, reflecting with fondness that shegay man in both my career and personal says she feels much more comfortablegrew up at D Js Gas Bar and feels anlife, he adds. I feel that Im constantly as a Two-Spirit person in the arts worldintegral part of the community. bringing light to the table in terms of because it embraces diversity. Whenpeople understanding someone who is teaching Indigenous students aboutTRUE SELF gay and getting to know someone who filmmaking during a series of filmmakingRobert Turgeon is the managing brokeris [Anishinabe]. I cant say that those mentoring workshops in a First Nationindividual things have been the reason for for a real estate company with officeshaving success, but they are certainly a big community, she found young peoplein Toronto, Muskoka and Collingwood.part of who I am.receptive and curious about He identifies as gay and MatachewanUltimately, Turgeon feels it all comes LGBTQ+ topics.but is quick to point out that neither hisdown to being true to yourself, both The very first group I worked withsexual orientation nor his Indigenousin your personal life as well as your chose a homosexual storyline, Arpinbackground have impacted his career. Inprofessional one. Im very comfortable says. I was completely surprised andhis line of work, he says, people focus onand confident in being myself. Even when delighted that the school was so openhis professionalism and expertise, not Im coaching new realtors new to the field, and supportive. At the end, the film washis background. I always tell them, Just be who you are, screened for the entire school. People dont hire me because Impeople will be attracted to you because you Today, Arpin feels she is viewedgay and they dont hire me because Imare just being you, genuine and true to as a respected business owner in her[Anishinabe]; they hire me for the greatyourself, he says.community, and she hopes that by running her business as an openly gay person she has helped change peoplesI was able attitudes toward homosexuality in her small, northern Ontario town.to highlight Indigenous A virtual eventingenuity, for International Womens Day leadership Tuesday | March 8and industry 7 to 9 p.m.Use promo code QBIZ10 toparticipation in save on early bird ticketsVisit: womenshealthclinic. energy through my org/women-wine-food connections withinthe community- GREGORY JOHN24| QBiz CANADA | Issue 2 2021'