<snip>
> I load a text file in kate and press Ctrl-g (Go To dialog). The dialog is
> empty and kate freezes, but I am unable to proceed to the point where I
> can type 'bt' to generate a backtrace.

After Kate freezes, go back to your gdb terminal and type "Ctrl+C".  Once
the (gdb) prompt shows up, type 'bt<return>'.

Tim