Using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a sure sign that you are an Internet junkie. IRC is, simply speaking, a real time conference system. You are presented with a split screen. When you type messages into the bottom of the screen, and these messages come up in the top portion of everyone elses screens. In order to make some sort of sense out of this mess, IRC is divided into channels (there may be as many as 3000 channels running at any one time).

IRC is not as friendly to use as many other Internet services. Many people disdain IRC as a waste of space. In order to run an IRC session, you’ll first have to get hold of an IRC client program. Now, install this software on your computer, and connect to an IRC server (often easier said than done), and you’re in. Commands in IRC are preceeded by a /, so use /join channelname to join a channel, etc.

The best thing about IRC, as far as trannies are concerned, is that you get to chose your own ‘nick’ when you log on. A nick is simply the name that identifies you to the channel, and is only rarely actually someones name. Hence, plenty of people get a good taste of gender bending simply by using a female sounding nick.

The best source for information about IRC is the web in general. Type ‘IRC’ into a search engine, and you’ll get all the information you need to get going.

Be warned; IRC is the worst time waster you will ever find. Worse than newsgroups, and even surfing the web. Once you’re connected, it’s very hard to leave, as there are always more new people coming on. If you’re easily offended, don’t bother. There are huge numbers of Horny Net Geeks (HNGs) passing time on IRC, and should you be using a female nick, you’re a fair target for some pretty crude pick ups.

The channels of interest to the tranny community are:

#transgen (on Efnet)

This channel is for the support of crossdressers and transgendered people. Topics vary widely, from hellos to discussions about computers to actual discussion about gender issues (gasp!). This is the channel where I can typically be found (when I’m on). It tends to be the most ‘serious’ of the IRC tranny channels, with a higher percentage of transsexuals than others.

#crossdress (on Efnet)

This channel is, as the name suggests, mainly for crossdressers, though of course all members of the transgendered community, and their friends, are most welcome. Discussion here isn’t as weighty as that on #transgen.

#TVsex (on Efnet)

Need I say more? This is where the greatest percentage of HNGs may be found. Serious discussion typically won’t be tolerated here. :) Pickups will, and are encouraged.

#1shemale (on Undernet)

This is somewhere in content between #transgen and #crossdress. It isn’t found on the ‘mainstream’ IRC servers, but rather on the undernet. You still use a normal IRC client to access the undernet, but connect to a different set of servers.

#tgcafe (on Efnet)

#ts-cafe (on Dal.net)

#ts-only (on Dal.net)

#aussiet (on Dal.net)

IRC is one of those things that is best done late at night, when you have a couple of hours to kill. Luckily, it's late at night somewhere on the net 24 hours a day, so the conversation runs pretty much continually. You'll probably catch up with other Australians from 6-12 pm (local time).