Help Taylor Stay in The UK
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Hi everyone,
My name is Taylor Bystrom and I am an American transgender artist. In the last two years I have been studying to complete my Masters in Fine Art at Goldsmiths University of London. During my time here in the UK I have met the love of my life (Lori). As a person who suffers with chronic pain from hypermobility syndrome, moderate degenerative disc disease and scoliosis (as well as the associated mental health issues), Lori has been my angel. I’ve never had someone who understood my physical pain and wanted to help me live my best life. As a transgender person I am faced with the looming fear that I will have to go back to the United States in January 2021 and be separated from Lori. I am fearful for my health because I will not have access to medicine or treatment that I need to stay well if I have to go back to the States. In the States I have friends but most of them are also struggling queer identified people that I would be a burden to live with until being able to move back to the UK. Things have always been a struggle but for the first time in my life I have actual hope in a future because of the love that I have found with Lori and also the opportunities I’ve been given here in the UK.
When I read the news I am disheartened by Donald Trump's malicious attacks on trans and gender non conforming individuals. I fear rejection of medical attention because of doctors' and paramedics' American "right" not to help me if they become aware that I am a transgender man. I hate asking for things and am ultimately very independent, but this is such a financial strain and the clock is working against us. Lori and I need to get married as soon as possible and start immigration proceedings. Right now in the UK there has been a backlog of people trying to get married because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so we are unsure when this will happen, but my student visa will be expired in January 2021 and if Lori and I are unable to get the legal help we need for me to stay, I will be forced to go back to the States into uncertain and daunting times. Please help me. I would be the most grateful human being alive if I felt that I had a sense of security in my future and peace in knowing that I can stay in a country that cares about my well being more than my home country.
Because of your financial support I will be able to transfer my tier 4 visa to a spousal visa which will allow me to live in the UK for another 2 years on my path to citizenship. I am looking to raise £4,000 by September (which is the latest I can start immigration proceedings in order to not have to return to the US in January!) which will cover NHS fees of £1000, Home Office fees of £1500, plus help and support from an immigration lawyer who will ensure that the process is done correctly which is £1000. As I am unable to work because of my student status and my chronic pain, Lori has been supporting both of us financially. We would not be able to save this amount of money in the urgent time that we need it. Even if you can spare £1 or share this fundraiser, we would greatly appreciate it and you’d be helping immeasurably.
My name is Taylor Bystrom and I am an American transgender artist. In the last two years I have been studying to complete my Masters in Fine Art at Goldsmiths University of London. During my time here in the UK I have met the love of my life (Lori). As a person who suffers with chronic pain from hypermobility syndrome, moderate degenerative disc disease and scoliosis (as well as the associated mental health issues), Lori has been my angel. I’ve never had someone who understood my physical pain and wanted to help me live my best life. As a transgender person I am faced with the looming fear that I will have to go back to the United States in January 2021 and be separated from Lori. I am fearful for my health because I will not have access to medicine or treatment that I need to stay well if I have to go back to the States. In the States I have friends but most of them are also struggling queer identified people that I would be a burden to live with until being able to move back to the UK. Things have always been a struggle but for the first time in my life I have actual hope in a future because of the love that I have found with Lori and also the opportunities I’ve been given here in the UK.
When I read the news I am disheartened by Donald Trump's malicious attacks on trans and gender non conforming individuals. I fear rejection of medical attention because of doctors' and paramedics' American "right" not to help me if they become aware that I am a transgender man. I hate asking for things and am ultimately very independent, but this is such a financial strain and the clock is working against us. Lori and I need to get married as soon as possible and start immigration proceedings. Right now in the UK there has been a backlog of people trying to get married because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so we are unsure when this will happen, but my student visa will be expired in January 2021 and if Lori and I are unable to get the legal help we need for me to stay, I will be forced to go back to the States into uncertain and daunting times. Please help me. I would be the most grateful human being alive if I felt that I had a sense of security in my future and peace in knowing that I can stay in a country that cares about my well being more than my home country.
Because of your financial support I will be able to transfer my tier 4 visa to a spousal visa which will allow me to live in the UK for another 2 years on my path to citizenship. I am looking to raise £4,000 by September (which is the latest I can start immigration proceedings in order to not have to return to the US in January!) which will cover NHS fees of £1000, Home Office fees of £1500, plus help and support from an immigration lawyer who will ensure that the process is done correctly which is £1000. As I am unable to work because of my student status and my chronic pain, Lori has been supporting both of us financially. We would not be able to save this amount of money in the urgent time that we need it. Even if you can spare £1 or share this fundraiser, we would greatly appreciate it and you’d be helping immeasurably.