Having parents present during childhood provides a sense of security, stability, and belonging that is difficult to replicate in any other environment. Children who grow up without their parents or who discover they were abandoned often face emotional challenges, including feelings of confusion, resentment, and insecurity. This was the reality for Xueli Abbing, a young girl born in China who was left at the door of an orphanage as a newborn. The identity of her parents remains unknown, and she had no connection to them whatsoever. Being abandoned at birth can leave an indelible mark on a child’s psyche, as the absence of parental protection and love during early formative years can trigger questions about one’s self-worth and place in the world. Yet, despite this challenging beginning, Xueli’s story demonstrates that adversity does not necessarily determine the course of a person’s life. The staff at the orphanage who found her immediately sought to provide her with care and a sense of identity, even giving her a name that would reflect both her appearance and the hope they had for her future. They called her Xueli, with ‘Xue’ meaning snow and ‘Li’ meaning beautiful, a reference to her albinism, a genetic condition that results in reduced melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. From the very beginning, her identity was intertwined with both uniqueness and resilience.

Xueli’s life took a transformative turn when she was adopted by a family in the Netherlands. Her adoptive parents provided a nurturing and loving environment, giving her the stability and support that she had missed in her earliest days. Growing up in a family that embraced her differences and encouraged her individuality allowed her to cultivate self-confidence and a sense of belonging. For children who have been abandoned, the experience of being loved and accepted by a new family can profoundly reshape their trajectory, fostering resilience and hope. At the age of 11, Xueli was approached by a designer from Hong Kong who invited her to model in a fashion shoot celebrating diverse forms of beauty. The campaign, titled “Perfect Imperfections,” aimed to highlight unconventional beauty and challenge traditional standards in the fashion industry. In an interview with the BBC, Xueli recalled the experience fondly, saying, “That was an amazing experience.” For a young girl who had spent her early years in an orphanage, this moment represented both recognition of her unique appearance and the beginning of a path that would allow her to advocate for people like herself through art and media.

Albinism is a condition that affects people in every corner of the globe, and unfortunately, it often exposes them to discrimination, prejudice, and even violence. In some regions, people with albinism face extreme dangers due to false beliefs that their body parts possess magical or medicinal properties. Xueli has reflected on her own experience with gratitude, noting that, “I’m lucky I was only abandoned.” Even in the fashion world, individuals with albinism can be stereotyped or objectified, frequently cast as angels, ghosts, or ethereal figures rather than being valued for their individuality. Xueli has openly acknowledged that such portrayals can be disheartening, saying, “It makes me sad.” Despite these challenges, she found a photographer in London who treated her as any professional model should be treated — with respect and recognition of her skill and presence. This collaboration led to a stunning photoshoot, one of whose images was purchased by Vogue Italia for its June 2019 issue. The exposure provided her with a platform not only for her modeling career but also to advocate for a more inclusive understanding of beauty and representation in the media.

Modeling is a demanding profession for anyone, and for Xueli, it comes with unique challenges. She has only 8 to 10% vision, making it difficult and even painful to work with bright lights and camera flashes. Yet she persists, driven by a desire to represent people with differences and to challenge conventional beauty standards. In her own words, “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.” Her condition has also given her a distinctive perspective: lacking full visual perception, she focuses more on people’s voices and inner qualities, valuing their character over appearances. This empathy and heightened awareness have guided her approach to modeling and her broader vision for social advocacy. By using her platform in the fashion industry, Xueli is not only breaking barriers for people with albinism but also challenging the industry to rethink rigid standards of beauty, diversity, and representation.

Xueli’s mission goes beyond modeling; she aims to educate the public about albinism as a genetic condition rather than a curse or defining characteristic. In interviews, she emphasizes the importance of language, stating, “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.” She seeks to challenge myths, misconceptions, and the social stigma surrounding her condition. Her goal is to raise awareness that children with albinism, in some parts of the world, face deadly persecution simply for being born differently. “I’m not going to accept that children are being murdered because of their albinism. I want to change the world,” she asserts. Through her modeling work, interviews, and public appearances, Xueli demonstrates that visibility and education are powerful tools for social change. By presenting herself confidently and professionally in a space that often prizes conventional beauty, she disrupts stereotypes and encourages broader acceptance of physical and genetic differences.

Xueli Abbing’s story is one of resilience, courage, and empowerment. From being abandoned at birth to walking runways and appearing in Vogue Italia, she has turned adversity into opportunity and visibility into advocacy. Her life exemplifies the profound impact of love, support, and representation, showing how a young person can overcome early trauma to become a role model for others. Xueli’s commitment to educating the world about albinism and challenging societal prejudices ensures that her impact extends far beyond fashion. By sharing her experiences and embracing her identity, she inspires countless others to see value in their own differences and to advocate for justice, understanding, and compassion. Her journey is a testament to the idea that difficult beginnings do not determine one’s destiny. With her talent, determination, and vision, Xueli is poised to continue influencing the world positively, educating people about diversity, and proving that beauty exists in all forms. Her story encourages readers and viewers alike to celebrate uniqueness, support inclusivity, and challenge societal norms. We wish her continued success and know that she will inspire thousands across the globe to embrace themselves fully and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.