Bulwark Takes: The Supreme Court Just Fired These Soldiers

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Elena Kupek, Founder and President of Gender Research Advocacy Council and Education (Grace), U.S. Navy Veteran

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller engages in a compelling conversation with Elena Kupek, the founder and president of the Gender Research Advocacy Council and Education (Grace) and a decorated U.S. Navy veteran. The discussion centers around a recent Supreme Court decision that has profound implications for transgender service members in the military.

Guest Background

Elena Kupek shares her personal journey, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the issues at hand.

• Military Service and Transition:
  [00:44]
  Elena Kupek: "I served as an intelligence officer in an F18 squadron... I transitioned after I left the military."

• Challenges Faced:
  [02:21]
  Elena Kupek: "I experienced shame and guilt, never fully embracing who I was until I found a community and understanding through early computers."

Supreme Court Decision: An Overview

Tim Miller outlines the legal backdrop leading to the Supreme Court's recent ruling.

• Executive Order and Injunction:
  [08:45]
  Tim Miller: "Trump signed an executive order banning transgender folks from serving. A lower court issued a nationwide injunction, which the Supreme Court lifted last night by a 6-3 vote."

Impact on Transgender Military Members

The conversation delves into the immediate and long-term consequences of the Supreme Court's decision.

• Immediate Terminations:
  [05:15]
  Elena Kupek: "These individuals are effectively fired today. They can't provide for themselves or their families."

• Personal Testimonies and Loss:
  [07:03]
  Elena Kupek: "I spoke with the widow of a friend who was killed on 9/11... Our values of freedom and liberty are being stripped away."

Broader Implications and Societal Concerns

Elena Kupek expounds on the ripple effects of the ruling beyond the military.

• Discrimination and Dehumanization:
  [05:11]
  Elena Kupek: "This is pure animus... Nobody would choose to go into battle with more than a transgender person."

• Future Legislation and Rights:
  [07:03]
  Elena Kupek: "If the government continues down this path, it doesn't end with us. It's a slippery slope toward broader erosions of rights."

• Historical Context and Warning Signs:
  [12:25]
  Elena Kupek: "Yesterday was May 6th, the anniversary of the Nazi raid on the Institute for Sexology in Berlin... We're witnessing steps that precede more severe acts of persecution."

Legal Landscape and Future Cases

Tim Miller and Elena Kupek discuss ongoing and upcoming legal battles affecting the transgender community.

• Scrametti Case:
  [10:01]
  Elena Kupek: "This case robs parents of the right to make decisions about their children's healthcare, placing the government in an overreaching role."

• Potential Supreme Court Rulings:
  [08:45]
  Tim Miller: "While the injunction has been lifted, the case continues through the courts, but the immediate impact is undeniable."

Political Manipulation and Social Division

The dialogue addresses how political entities leverage transgender issues to further divide the nation.

• Use as a Political Football:
  [10:01]
  Elena Kupek: "Policymakers have used the transgender community as a tool to divide, detracting from more pressing issues like inflation and the economy."

• Misrepresentation Within Political Parties:
  [10:01]
  Elena Kupek: "This is not representative of all Republicans, but rather the extreme factions pushing radical agendas."

Call to Action and Hope for the Future

Elena Kupek emphasizes the importance of unity and respect in the face of adversity.

• Building Bridges and Respecting Rights:
  [12:25]
  Elena Kupek: "Grace aims to build bridges, encourage dialogue, and find common ground, respecting each other's right to exist."

• National Reflection:
  [12:25]
  Elena Kupek: "Is this the kind of country we want to be? Do these actions represent our core American values?"

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the current state of affairs and a hopeful outlook towards fostering understanding and respect.

• Ongoing Struggle:
  [14:07]
  Tim Miller: "Unfortunately, these attacks will continue in the short term. We have a fight ahead of us."

• Closing Remarks:
  [14:23]
  Elena Kupek: "Thank you for having me, Tim. Let's continue to advocate for justice and equality."

Key Takeaways:

1. Critical Impact of Supreme Court Rulings: The recent decision to lift the injunction has immediate detrimental effects on transgender service members, resulting in their termination and loss of benefits.

2. Personal Narratives Highlighting Broader Issues: Elena Kupek's personal experiences underscore the systemic challenges faced by transgender individuals in the military and beyond.

3. Warning Against Historical Precedents: Drawing parallels to oppressive actions from history serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for escalating discrimination.

4. Call for Unity and Respect: Emphasizing the need for dialogue and mutual respect to bridge divides and uphold American values of freedom and equality.

For more information about Elena Kupek and the Gender Research Advocacy Council and Education (Grace), visit their website.