Albinism, a rare genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin, affects individuals worldwide and across all ethnic backgrounds. Despite its rarity, the stigma surrounding albinism can be harsh, especially in parts of the world where individuals with the condition are marginalized or even mistreated. However, some people, like Xueli Abbing, a young model from the Netherlands, are challenging these stereotypes and paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding.
A Heartbreaking Beginning
Xueli was born in China 16 years ago, with skin as white as snow, a feature that caused her biological parents to abandon her. Unable to accept her appearance, they left her in an orphanage just days after her birth. The staff at the orphanage, who named her Xueli—meaning “snow white and beautiful”—felt sympathy for her, unaware that her life was about to take an extraordinary turn.
When she turned 11, her fate changed dramatically. A renowned photographer from Hong Kong discovered Xueli and invited her to participate in a campaign celebrating “perfect imperfections.” This opportunity marked the beginning of Xueli’s journey into the world of fashion, where she would later gain international recognition.
A Journey to Vogue
Soon after her involvement in the fashion show, her photos were shared on social media, catching the attention of a London-based photographer who saw her potential. This connection led to Xueli being featured on the cover of Vogue Italia in June 2019—a milestone that, at first, she did not fully grasp the significance of.
“At the time, I didn’t know what an important magazine it was. It took me a while to realize why people got so excited about it,” Xueli said. This momentous achievement opened the doors to her modeling career, and she soon found herself representing diversity in the fashion industry.
A Message of Acceptance and Change
Xueli’s success in the fashion world is not just about her stunning appearance, but also about her advocacy for people with albinism. “I want to use modeling to talk about albinism and say it’s a genetic disorder, it’s not a curse,” she explained. Her mission is to raise awareness about albinism and challenge the societal misconceptions that often surround it.
She emphasized the importance of using respectful language when referring to people with albinism: “The way to talk about it is to say ‘a person with albinism’ because being ‘an albino’ sounds as if it defines who you are.” Xueli is also passionate about ending the violent practices still occurring in certain parts of the world, where individuals with albinism are murdered due to superstitions about their body parts.
“I’m not going to accept that children are being murdered because of their albinism. I want to change the world,” Xueli boldly declared.
Challenging Beauty Standards
Xueli’s story is an inspiring example of how embracing one’s unique qualities can lead to self-empowerment. In an industry often dominated by conventional beauty standards, she is helping to redefine what beauty truly means. “There are still models who are like eight-foot-two and skinny, but now people with disabilities or differences are featured more in the media—and this is great. But it should be normal,” she says.
Xueli’s focus on inner beauty is also a central part of her message. Despite her visual impairment, she notes that she focuses on the voices and personalities of people around her. “Maybe because I cannot see everything properly, I focus more on people’s voices and what they have to say,” she explained. “So their inner beauty is more important to me.”
A Future of Advocacy and Acceptance
Xueli’s journey from abandonment to international acclaim is a testament to the power of resilience and self-acceptance. She continues to use her platform to promote awareness about albinism and to inspire others to embrace their individuality. Her story challenges the world to move beyond physical appearance and appreciate the unique beauty in everyone.
As she continues to break barriers in the fashion industry, Xueli remains committed to her mission of promoting understanding and acceptance for people with albinism. She wants the world to recognize that her condition is simply part of who she is and does not define her worth.
Conclusion: A Beautifully Colorful World
Xueli Abbing’s story reminds us that differences are what make the world beautifully diverse. By embracing her true self and using her platform to raise awareness, she is changing the narrative around albinism. Her courage to speak out and her unwavering belief in self-love are qualities that inspire us all.
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