Heyhey, this is Brooklyn Dawson.

I’m a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where I completed my MFA in Acting this past January.

I’m currently trying to remain in the UK, but to do so I need to raise £3,500 by May 30th to cover my Graduate visa and healthcare surcharge.

Over the past few months, I’ve been actively searching for work and recently secured a temporary role. Unfortunately, it came too late and didn’t last long enough for me to save what I needed before this deadline. I’ve been doing everything I can to stay afloat financially, but I’ve now reached a point where I can’t meet this amount on my own in time.

I’m originally from the United States, and as a Cherokee transgender woman (Two-Spirit), returning right now doesn’t feel safe for me. The increasing hostility toward trans people in the US is something I have to take seriously, and it makes this situation feel urgent in a very real way.

Since coming to Scotland, I’ve experienced a level of safety, kindness, and community that has genuinely changed me. I’ve been able to grow not just as an artist, but as a person, and I’ve met people who have treated me with care and respect in ways I will always carry with me.

Completing my degree was a major milestone, and my hope now is to stay in the UK, continue working, and build a stable life here. I also hope, in time, to be able to support my family back home, who are currently facing their own financial and health challenges.

This situation has been especially difficult because, despite my best efforts during my studies, I wasn’t able to save enough to cover this transition period. Asking for help like this isn’t easy for me, but I’ve reached a point where I need to be honest about what I can’t do alone.

Fund Breakdown

If the full goal of £3,500 is reached before May 30th, the funds will go directly toward securing my Graduate visa, allowing me to stay and legally work in the UK for two years.

The current costs include:

£937 – visa application fee

£2,070 – Immigration Health Surcharge

£3,007 total

The remaining amount will help cover GoFundMe processing fees and provide a small buffer for any unforeseen costs.

If the minimum goal of £1,000 is reached, it would allow me to purchase a flight back to the United States. This is a last resort I am trying very hard to avoid, as returning at this time does not feel safe for me.

If you’re able to contribute—even £5 or £10—it truly makes a difference and brings me closer to being able to stay. And if you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

I’ll be posting updates here as I continue working and raising funds so you can see how things are progressing.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for any support you can offer.

— Brooklyn