Audrey Hale: Nashville school shooter dressed as Elliot Page from 'Juno' movie every year for Spirit Week
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale, who killed three children and three staff members at The Covenant School on Monday, often dressed up as transgender star Elliot Page from the movie 'Juno' every Spirit Week before he started his transition, according to a report. A school friend of Hale has revealed that during their time at The Nashville School of Arts, Hale loved to dress up as Page's iconic character 'Juno,' a pregnant teenager.
Audrey Hale was biological female but preferred he/his pronouns. However, many outlets have referred to him with female pronouns. The friend, who requested anonymity, said that Hale's actions have left former classmates in shock as they recalled the 'nerdy' girl they knew in school who made them laugh. Despite police confirming that Hale was transgender, the suspect's friend referred to Hale as 'she/her' because the 28-year-old was known as a female in high school, the Daily Mail reported.
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Hale publicly came out as transgender and non-binary in 2020
Hale publicly came out as transgender and non-binary in December 2020, revealing that his pronouns were he/him and his name was Elliot. Prior to revealing his gender identity, Elliot was married to Emma Portner, 28, however, the two divorced in 2021, less than two months after he publicly came out. The pair split before Elliot came out as transgender, but Emma still ‘proudly’ supported the decision.
For the most part, like I've said before she was well-liked and funny
Reflecting on high school memories, Hale's friend, recalled his open struggle with autism and mental health. "Hale was sweet but troubled, mostly because of the struggle with autism and depression, said Hale's teachers," the friend told Daily Mail. "Hale was known to have little bouts of frustration or anger. But for the most part, like I've said before Hale was well-liked and funny."
'Hale never dated'
Police confirmed Hale was receiving treatment for an 'emotional disorder' and described him as having "high-functioning" autism. Despite this, Hale was able to legally purchase seven firearms. Hale's classmates said that they weren't surprised when Hale came out as gay or when he later decided to transition. The friend dished out Hale's non-existent love life which appeared to remain stagnant throughout high school. "Hale never dated," the friend said.
Audrey adopted the name Aiden
"We all kinda figured Hale would come out as gay and no one was surprised when he came out as trans. But other than that, Hale was very driven by sports." Church coordinator Norma, 61, and her husband Ronald, 64, refused to let their child Hale, who had recently adopted the name Aiden and used he/him pronouns, dress as a man in their home.
'She was Audrey at home but when she left the house she changed clothes'
The loner would instead wait until he left their $700,000 Nashville property to change outfits, a source said, adding that Hale's parents did not accept homosexuality due to their religion. "You only see what you want to see. Their religion does not allow them to accept homosexuality," the source added. "Hale was Audrey at home but when she left the house she changed clothes. They did know about it, they just didn't accept it."