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.

The Politics of Pride - Beyond Gay

WORLD PREMIERE: Image+Nation Festival of Cinema, Montreal Canada, October 25th

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE: Mix Brasil, Sao Paulo Brasil, November

EUROPEAN PREMIERE: Florence Queer Festival, FLorence Italy, December 3rd

HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL: This Human World: Vienna Austria, December 5th

U.S. to lift HIV travel ban

President Obama announced Friday that he will lift a 22-year-old ban on entry into the United States for people infected with HIV/AIDS.

The administration intends to publish a new federal rule next week eliminating the ban by the start of 2010, he said.

"We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat," he said at the White House. "If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it."

Obama said that lifting the ban is a "step that will encourage people to get tested and get treatment. It's a step that will keep families together, and it's a step that will save lives."

The United States, he said, is one of only a dozen countries that still bar the entry of people with HIV.

Pride House to host gay Olympic athletes

Refugee claims expected during 2010 Vancouver Winter Games

Gay and lesbian Olympic athletes from countries consumed with conflict or that have laws against homosexuality will have a safe place to seek refugee status during the 2010 Winter Games, says the creator of Pride House, which will have locations in Vancouver and Whistler.

Pride House creator Dean Nelson said no one will encourage athletes to seek asylum, but he added based on past experience he and other organizers decided to have refugee information readily available.

"It happened during the World AIDS Conference here and in Toronto," he said. "And even during the Commonwealth Games. We have athletes coming from places of conflict and they could ask about seeking asylum. We just want to be prepared."

Both locations of Pride House will have information and support services for queer athletes, but the Whistler venue, which will be located at the Pan Pacific Village Centre, will have more of a celebratory theme. The Vancouver location, housed within Qmunity, formerly known as the Centre, on Bute Street, will be the base for athletes and visitors looking for information about queer services and support, as well as on immigration and seeking asylum in Canada.

Keep your EARS on the road!

An Ontario law came into effect Monday making it illegal for drivers to use hand-held cellphones, BlackBerrys and other electronic devices while behind the wheel.

Drivers are forbidden to use hand-held devices to talk, text or email while behind the wheel, or to use portable video games or DVD players.

The only exception to the ban is a 911 call.

[NOTE: Today, 2 days after the ban went into effect, I saw 2 morons driving and talking!!! Knock it off, BOZOs!]

Canada quietly marks anniversary for gays in military while U.S. debate rages

MONTREAL - While Barack Obama plunges his country into a controversial debate about gays in the U.S. military, he could perhaps find comfort in the Canadian experience which just passed it's 17th anniversary.

On Oct. 27, 1992 Canada's Federal Court ruled that barring homosexuals from military service violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in a landmark verdict that prompted more openly gay men and women to join the ranks of the Army, Air Force and Navy.

The U.S. president has promised to repeal America's policy of, 'Don't ask, don't tell,' reviving a heated debate in his country.

Shattering Secrets: Incest

Mackenzie Phillips' recent admission about her intimate relationship with her own father - John Phillips of the famous musical group The Mamas and The Papas - has prompted others to bring their own stories of incest to Oprah's TV show.

Learn more about their painful stories filled with confusing emotions.

Toronto embraces the world with Pride

Toronto beat out Stockholm to host World Pride in 2014 - the international political and cultural event that promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.

Mark Singh, chair of the city's World Pride committee, said the festival will highlight the acceptance of the gay community by Canadians.

So far the program calls for an opening ceremony with a parade of nations and an international human rights conference. There will also be an AIDS candlelight vigil along with three parades including a Trans March, a Dyke March and Pride Parade.

The 2014 events will replace the city's usual Pride Week, and will be scheduled to celebrate Canada Day and the U.S. Independence Day.

The eyes, ears and rainbows of the world will be on London in 2012 as they host WorldPride. What promises to be an event on a truly mammoth scale, it (WorldPride) will be held between two other significant celebrations - The Queens Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games.