Is gaybashing on the rise?

Reported gaybashings seem to be on the rise in some cities. What are we seeing and why?

In the last year in Vancouver, gay men and lesbians have been punched in the jaw, pelted with eggs, hit in the face, struck with a hammer and kicked in the groin. The gaybashers allegedly yelled "I hate you," "fucking scum," "fuckin' fag," and "He's a faggot. He deserved it."

Since 2006 the number of hate crimes investigated by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has more than tripled. These numbers include hate crimes based on sexual orientation, religion, race and ethnicity.

Of the 167 incidents investigated by the VPD in the last three years, 86 were found to be hate-motivated. Twenty-six of these cases were based on sexual orientation.

Prior to 2006 the VPD didn't track the type of hatred motivating the crime. But Insp John deHaas, inspector in command of the force's Diversity & Aboriginal Policing Section, says the gay community is one of the most targeted groups for hate crimes.

That suggests reports of gaybashings are rising along with reports of hate crimes overall.

Battle of the scalpers

Tickets for the Battle of the Blades, initially priced at $5, are now being sold for up to $145 each on Canadian and U.S. websites, including a controversial reseller owned by Ticketmaster.

The tickets for the popular CBC-TV program were modestly priced to ensure anyone could afford them.

The show's popularity has skyrocketed, however, and tickets are being snapped up by people with the intention of selling them for big profits.

The show, shot before a live audience at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, features former NHLers and accomplished figure skaters competing as pairs.

Geminis enlist Glee's Canadian star for awards gala

The Canadian star of the U.S. musical comedy series Glee is among the celebrities who will present awards at this year's Geminis, which honour the best in Canadian television.

Cory Monteith, who plays the singing football jock Finn on the Fox series (which airs on Global TV in Canada), has been tapped to appear as a presenter along with Flashpoint star Hugh Dillon and Being Erica star Erin Karpluk.

Monteith is a native of Calgary, where this year's Gemini Awards ceremony will be held on Nov. 14.

Other presenters include Vancouver's Jessica Lucas of Melrose Place, writer Mark McKinney of Less Than Kind, and The Hour host George Stroumboulopoulos.

CTV's Flashpoint and the CBC-TV miniseries Diamonds are among the multiple nominees.

The awards gala will be hosted by comedian Ron James and broadcast on Global and Showcase.