Gens Hellquist is a pioneer of gay liberation , a counselor, gay activist and editor, Perceptions newsletter; co-founder of the Gay Students' Alliance (the first gay & lesbian organization in Saskatoon, 1970 - now called the Avenue Community Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity) and executive director of Gay and Lesbian Health Services.

He is currently executive director of the Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition, a national non-profit addressing the health disparities faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Canadians.

He was awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005 for his years of involvement and advocacy in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community