How do I load a PNG file with alpha channel?

BlitzMax Forums/BlitzMax Beginners Area/How do I load a PNG file with alpha channel?

Well,

"loadPixmap" was my initial choice - but, unfortunately, the transparent regions (of the PNG image) are rendered black rather than in the panel's background color.

That's also what I need transparent images for: they contain pictures with irregular shape and I want the panel's background color to shine through - the panel itself may be opaque, that does not matter.