At just 16 years old, Xueli Abbing has overcome more adversity than most face in a lifetime. Born with albinism in China, she was abandoned as a baby because of her distinctive appearance. Her biological parents left her at the door of an orphanage, believing that her condition made her “too different.”
Despite this challenging start, Xueli has defied the odds to become an international model, determined to redefine beauty standards and challenge the stigma surrounding albinism.
Abandoned for Her Appearance
Xueli’s life began with heartbreak when her parents left her at an orphanage, unable to accept her condition. Albinism is a genetic disorder that results in a lack of melanin, affecting the color of a person’s skin, hair, and eyes. In many parts of the world, including China, people with albinism often face prejudice and discrimination. However, rather than letting these challenges define her, Xueli has used her uniqueness to carve out a place in the world, becoming an inspiration to many.
The orphanage staff gave her a name with special significance—”Xueli,” combining “Xue,” meaning snow, and “Li,” meaning beautiful. This name not only reflected her appearance but also foreshadowed the remarkable journey she would embark upon. Though she started life with rejection, Xueli’s fate changed when a Dutch family adopted her, providing a loving home where she could grow and flourish.
A Model of Resilience
Xueli’s life took an unexpected turn at the age of 11 when she was discovered by a designer in Hong Kong. The designer, who sought to celebrate diverse beauty, invited Xueli to participate in a photoshoot for a campaign called “Perfect Imperfections.” This experience opened the door to the modeling world, where her so-called “imperfections” were not only accepted but celebrated.
View this post on Instagram
Reflecting on the experience, Xueli told the BBC, “That was an amazing experience.” It was her first step into the fashion industry, where she has since gained recognition for her ethereal beauty. Now, she models for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Vogue, and serves as a symbol of resilience and empowerment for people with albinism.
Despite her success, Xueli is acutely aware of the challenges faced by those with albinism worldwide. In some parts of Africa, people with albinism are hunted for their body parts, which are falsely believed to have magical properties. Acknowledging her own fortune, Xueli once stated, “I’m lucky I was only abandoned.”
Breaking Stereotypes and Changing Perceptions
Xueli’s rise in the fashion industry has not come without its challenges. She has spoken out against the stereotypical portrayals of people with albinism in media and fashion, where they are often depicted as angels or ghosts. “It makes me sad,” she shared in an interview, emphasizing that such portrayals dehumanize people with albinism.
Rather than accepting these narrow representations, Xueli is using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. “I’m not going to accept that children are being murdered because of their albinism. I want to change the world,” she declared, underscoring her determination to challenge harmful myths and misconceptions.
Xueli’s journey from abandonment to the runway is a testament to her strength and resilience. She has transformed her painful past into a powerful story of hope, using her platform to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Her story is not just about breaking into the fashion world; it is about breaking down barriers that keep people with albinism marginalized and misunderstood.
A Future of Hope
As Xueli continues to rise in the fashion world, she remains focused on a larger goal: changing society’s perception of people with albinism. Her modeling career is just one part of her mission to create a world where beauty is inclusive and where no one is judged based on their appearance.
Her journey has only just begun, but her impact is already being felt. With every photoshoot and runway appearance, Xueli Abbing proves that beauty comes in many forms and that even those abandoned by society can rise to make a difference.
As she continues her fight to raise awareness and reshape perceptions, Xueli Abbing stands as an inspiring reminder that true beauty lies not in perfection, but in the courage to embrace oneself.
Source: allchronology.com