Xueli Abbing’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring—a testament to resilience, identity, and the transformative power of love and opportunity.
Early Struggles
Born in China with albinism, Xueli was abandoned at an orphanage as an infant because her parents feared societal rejection. Children with albinism often face discrimination, stigma, and, in some regions, even deadly threats. For Xueli, survival itself was a remarkable first step toward a meaningful life.
The orphanage gave her a name full of hope: Xueli, meaning “snow-white beauty,” a reminder that even in rejection, she had inherent value and uniqueness.
A New Beginning
Xueli was adopted by a loving Dutch family, who provided the care, confidence, and acceptance she needed. Surrounded by support, she began to embrace her difference as a strength rather than a weakness.
By age 11, she began modeling, participating in a Hong Kong photo shoot celebrating “perfect imperfections.” Her journey into fashion, which once seemed impossible, became a platform for advocacy and empowerment.
Breaking Into Fashion
Mentored by a London-based photographer, Xueli gained recognition in the fashion world, culminating in a feature in Vogue Italia in 2019. Her work challenges conventional beauty standards, proving that diversity and difference are not only valid—they are powerful.
Xueli emphasizes inner beauty, shaped by her limited vision: “Maybe because I cannot see everything properly, I focus more on people’s voices and what they have to say.” This perspective has helped her advocate for authenticity, character, and self-worth over superficial judgment.
Advocacy and Purpose
Now 16, Xueli uses her platform to educate the world about albinism, emphasizing respectful language (“person with albinism” rather than “an albino”) and combating harmful myths. She is determined to fight stigma and violence against children with albinism worldwide.
Her message is clear: differences should be celebrated, not feared. Beauty is not uniform, and every child deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to shine.
A Bright Future
From abandoned infant to international model and advocate, Xueli Abbing embodies resilience, courage, and hope. Her journey reminds the world that what is initially dismissed as “different” can inspire millions when nurtured with love, opportunity, and purpose.
Xueli’s story is more than personal triumph—it is a call to see beyond appearances and honor the worth in every individual. The girl once left behind has become a global symbol of beauty, strength, and possibility.
