Business owner calls out hate mail targeting trans employee

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - A local business owner is speaking out after receiving an anonymous letter targeting one of his employees, a trans woman.

Matt Sater, owner of Aim Mail Center, says he was determined to do something about it, and show that hate would not go unchallenged. He put up a flyer calling out the author of the letter and reassured both employees and customers that everyone is welcome.

"At first it was just kind of like ‘it’s anonymous,’ but then you kind of get emotional, that’s my employee...
we have to speak out about this because this is a place where everyone should feel comfortable to come work and do business.”

Matt Sater, Aim Mail Center owner

Jasmin Nicole Lopez, the employee who was targeted, says despite the support from her coworkers, it was an unfortunate reality she's dealt with before, and had enough.

“I was very heartbroken... My mental state was so bad. I would call out work, I would be like ‘I know people don’t want me there why would I even show up.' It started hurting my finances, I literally lost money and lost my apartment, as well. And I was hurting Matthew’s business, 'it’s not fair to you or the rest of your employees.'” 

Jasmin Nicole Lopez, former employee

Nicole decided it was time to leave the hate behind and move to Los Angeles, a decision that helped her regain her confidence and sense of self. Since moving, she has been working to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has been recognized for her work.

Her message: Don't let it get to you.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.