The story of Xueli Abbing is both heart-wrenching and inspiring—a powerful reminder that true beauty, worth, and purpose are never defined by where or how we start in life. Born in China with albinism, Xueli was left at the door of an orphanage as an infant. Her parents abandoned her, convinced she looked too “different” to belong in society.
For many children born with albinism, life is a constant battle against stigma, discrimination, and sometimes even violence. In some regions, harmful myths portray them as cursed, and tragically, some are hunted for their bones. For Xueli, survival itself was a triumph. “I’m lucky I was only abandoned,” she later reflected.
A Name Full of Meaning
At the orphanage, she was given the name Xueli—carefully chosen for its meaning. In Chinese, Xue means “as white as snow,” and Li means “beautiful.” Together, her name became a symbol of resilience: snow-white beauty. Even in rejection, Xueli received a name that celebrated her uniqueness.
Albinism affects melanin production in the skin, hair, and eyes, bringing challenges like sunlight sensitivity and vision difficulties. Yet for Xueli, her difference became a source of strength.
A New Beginning in the Netherlands
Xueli’s life transformed when a loving Dutch family adopted her. Surrounded by acceptance, she grew up with confidence and support, discovering that her uniqueness could be celebrated, not hidden.
At just 11 years old, Xueli was invited to a photo shoot in Hong Kong celebrating “perfect imperfections.” She soon walked a fashion runway—a remarkable moment for a child once rejected for her appearance. “It was a fantastic experience,” she recalled in a BBC interview.
Breaking Into the Fashion World
The fashion industry is notorious for narrow beauty standards, but Xueli helped challenge that norm. A London-based photographer mentored her, treating her with respect and guiding her career. Their collaboration culminated in a feature in Vogue Italia in June 2019.
“At first, I didn’t even know how prestigious the magazine was,” Xueli admitted. “It took time to realize why everyone was so excited.” Her appearance wasn’t just a personal victory—it sent a powerful message: beauty exists in countless forms.
Today, more models with differences—disabilities, vitiligo, or genetic traits like albinism—are gaining visibility. Xueli sees progress but emphasizes, “It should be normal for diverse beauty to be represented.”
Seeing Beyond the Surface
Xueli’s limited vision has shaped how she perceives the world. “Maybe because I cannot see everything properly, I focus on people’s voices and what they have to say,” she explained. “Inner beauty matters more to me.”
Through modeling, she teaches a vital lesson: true beauty lies beyond appearances, and perception can transform prejudice into understanding.
Advocacy and Purpose
Now 16, Xueli is a passionate advocate for people with albinism. She insists on the term “person with albinism” rather than reducing identity to a diagnosis. She fights the deadly stigma still present in parts of the world. “I won’t consent to children being harmed because they are albinos,” she declared. “I want to transform the world.”
Her courage extends beyond fashion. By sharing her story, Xueli inspires others, showing that difference is strength, and that every life has value and purpose.
A Bright Future
From the doorstep of an orphanage in China to the glossy pages of Vogue, Xueli Abbing’s journey is proof of resilience, love, and the power of embracing difference. Once abandoned for her appearance, she is now an international symbol of hope and beauty—and she’s only just beginning.
What inspires you most about Xueli’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
