At just 16 years old, Xueli Abbing has shown the world that beauty is not about fitting into society’s narrow standards. Born with albinism in China, her life began with heartbreak—she was abandoned as a baby simply because she looked different. Her parents left her at the door of an orphanage, believing her condition made her “too unusual.”
But instead of letting this rejection define her, Xueli has turned her story into one of strength and hope. Today, she is an international model who inspires millions by challenging stereotypes and showing that uniqueness is something to be celebrated, not hidden.
Abandoned for Her Appearance
Xueli’s journey started with pain. Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes, making people look very different from those around them. In many cultures, including parts of China, children born with albinism often face discrimination, misunderstanding, and even shame.
The orphanage staff gave her a meaningful name: Xueli—where “Xue” means snow and “Li” means beautiful. This name perfectly captured her snowy-white features and symbolized her hidden potential. Although her birth family abandoned her, her life changed when a loving Dutch family adopted her, giving her the chance to grow up in a safe and supportive home.
A Model of Resilience
At the age of 11, Xueli’s life took an unexpected turn. A fashion designer in Hong Kong noticed her unique look and invited her to join a campaign called “Perfect Imperfections.” What others once saw as flaws were suddenly celebrated as extraordinary beauty. That photoshoot opened the doors to the modeling world.
Since then, she has graced the pages of major fashion magazines, including Vogue, and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. Reflecting on her first photoshoot, she said in an interview with the BBC: “That was an amazing experience.” It was just the beginning of a career that continues to grow every day.
Yet, Xueli never forgets the struggles faced by people with albinism around the world. In some parts of Africa, for example, harmful myths put lives at risk, as people with albinism are hunted for their body parts. With courage and compassion, she acknowledges her own fortune, once saying: “I’m lucky I was only abandoned.”
Breaking Stereotypes and Changing Perceptions
While her modeling career has brought her fame, Xueli uses her platform for something even more important: raising awareness and fighting stereotypes. She has spoken against the way people with albinism are often portrayed as angels, ghosts, or mysterious beings in fashion and media. “It makes me sad,” she explained, because these portrayals strip away the humanity of people like her.
Instead, she wants the world to see albinism for what it is—a natural genetic difference. She is determined to break harmful myths and help build a world where children with albinism can live without fear. Her mission is clear: “I’m not going to accept that children are being murdered because of their albinism. I want to change the world.”
A Future of Hope
Xueli’s path from abandonment to international success is a powerful reminder of resilience. Her story is not only about making it in the fashion industry, but also about breaking barriers and proving that real beauty comes from courage, strength, and authenticity.
As she continues to shine on the runway, she also shines a light on a bigger truth—that beauty has no single definition. With every photoshoot and public appearance, Xueli Abbing proves that those once cast aside by society can rise to become symbols of hope and change.
Her journey is far from over, but her impact is already remarkable. Xueli is not just a model in front of the camera—she is a model of resilience, compassion, and the power of embracing who you are.
Source: allchronology.com