Being Transgender and the FAA

I want to know from other trans pilots how long it took to get your med certificate.

I initially went to my AME around May 2023. He deferred me, and I waited 7 months to get a temporary special issuance class 3 cert around late December 2023. The cert lasted until July 2024 (7 months). I sent in the required updates regarding asthma and my hormone levels at the beginning of July 24 and have yet to hear back. I periodically call the medical division to check for status updates, and every time, I hear, "You're still in the decision process." I then add a note to my file, hoping it helps move things along.

I know other trans female pilots who've made it out of the gauntlet, but the more time that goes by, the less hopeful I have become about achieving my career/ life goal of becoming a commercial pilot. It's difficult because I am about ready to solo and legally can't. So, I've held off on spending the money on flying while I wait. It has also become incredibly demotivating to study because I don't know if I'll end up being denied in the end. I hope the feedback will help keep my head in the right mindset while waiting for their correspondence.