[Two women embrace over a burning rainbow pride flag as military troops and a tank advance down a foggy city street.]
This evocative dystopian digital illustration captures a tender moment of solidarity between two women embracing on a rain-soaked, mist-shrouded downtown city street amid a civil occupation. A large burning rainbow pride flag lies on the asphalt at their feet, while an advancing battle tank and columns of armed military soldiers move toward them through smog between tall city skyscrapers. The somber, tense scene contrasts intimate personal connection with themes of queer rights, protest, authoritarian crackdown, and resistance against oppression.

Two women embrace over a burning rainbow pride flag — AI art by @faerierealm

@faerierealm · 8/7/2026

Entry in the Rise Up, Speak Out theme on BudgetPixel.

💔 How It Feels Living in Trump's America 💔 This is why we're leaving the only country we've ever lived in. My partner wants to stay and fight, but I don't have the fortitude for that. Relationships are full of sacrifices, and I'm grateful she relented so we can both move to a more progressive country and live out our lives in peace. Good luck, America! We're rooting for you, and hope that empathy and progressivism will win out eventually!

[Two women embrace over a burning rainbow pride flag as military troops and a tank advance down a foggy city street.]
This evocative dystopian digital illustration captures a tender moment of solidarity between two women embracing on a rain-soaked, mist-shrouded downtown city street amid a civil occupation. A large burning rainbow pride flag lies on the asphalt at their feet, while an advancing battle tank and columns of armed military soldiers move toward them through smog between tall city skyscrapers. The somber, tense scene contrasts intimate personal connection with themes of queer rights, protest, authoritarian crackdown, and resistance against oppression.

Tags: dystopian art, queer couple, LGBTQ solidarity, burning pride flag, rainbow flag, military occupation, civil unrest, urban protest, authoritarian crackdown, resistance art, dystopian city, battle tank, queer rights, protest art, foggy city scene

25 likes · 39 comments

Comments

faerierealm

Yes, that is why we left NC and came here. (And since I know you're friends with some of the people we've blocked in the last few days, please know that we didn't block them to stifle their own free speech. We have never reported a Far Right post and never will as we believe such posts are useful to know who our true friends and allies are. Rest assured if we block someone, it is simply because we don't like them, that's all.)

DavidP

Oh yes, they are inconsistent in the application of their own standards. I think a reflection on the group of moderators and their apparent lack of concern for their work, lack of supervision as indicated by the success rate you have had when challenging mod rejections of your images back in the day.

faerierealm

Your cousin made the right choice! Even for those who are not targeted by this Far Right government, life has become very difficult here. A lot of Americans are very angry, and so many (especially MAGA people) are taking out their anger by 'punching down' at the vulnerable.

SkarletFever

A sad state of affairs in the U.S. I truly never thought to see anything like it in my lifetime. My thoughts are with you both. I'm certain your move will be a wonderful new beginning for you & hope that happier, more peaceful times lie ahead for you both.

justrob

my youngest son is supposed to have his EU passport in October. Hes planning on reloacting to Europe in November or December. His girlfriend lives in Vienna, so I expect thats where he will be. Maybe we'll do christmas in Austria this year.

base451121

A powerful image that says it all. Of course, it’s a shame for the country that sensible people are leaving, but when life is no longer worth living, people are left with no other choice. I wish you the future you desire, my dears!!!

DavidP

Yeah, they do explicitly exclude political imagery in their standard. Given how quickly that can provoke and go off the rails, I do understand their point of view there. As the saying goes - keep clear of sex, politics and religion i- n certain contexts

base451121

You’ve chosen a truly wonderful and interesting country. Personally, I might have opted to move in the spring given the cold winters in Norway, but I can completely understand your reasons. Look forward to a warm welcome in a friendly, modern, and—above all—beautiful country.

suga2309

Wishing you both a brighter place, 🌈💖 Where love can flourish, free of disgrace. May peace be your path and hope be your guide, 🕊️✨ And may empathy and love stand by your side. ❤️🌎

SkarletFever

You're very welcome! I really can't find words when it comes to how things have become there. So glad my cousin & his U.S wife chose to leave a few years ago.