The story of Xueli Abbing is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, a powerful testament to the fact that beauty, value, and purpose are not dictated by the circumstances of one’s birth. Born in China with albinism, Xueli was abandoned as an infant at the doorstep of an orphanage. Her parents left her behind, believing that her appearance was too “different” to fit in with society.

Her life could easily have taken a tragic path. Children with albinism frequently face stigma, discrimination, and even violence in certain cultures, where myths portray them as cursed or endowed with mystical powers. In some regions, children with albinism are hunted for their body parts, believed to have magical or healing properties. For Xueli, simply surviving was a miraculous act. “I’m lucky I was only abandoned,” she later reflected.

A Name Full of Meaning

At the orphanage, staff named her Xueli—a name chosen with care. In Chinese, Xue means “as white as snow,” and Li means “beautiful.” Together, the name conveyed resilience and hope: snow-white beauty. Even in rejection, she was given an identity that honored her uniqueness.

Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces melanin production in the skin, hair, and eyes. Beyond changing appearance, it often brings challenges such as sensitivity to sunlight and vision impairment. Life for those with albinism can be a daily struggle against prejudice and misunderstanding—but Xueli’s journey demonstrates that difference can also be a source of strength.

A New Life in the Netherlands

Xueli’s life changed dramatically when a loving Dutch family adopted her. They nurtured her with care, providing the confidence, support, and acceptance every child deserves. In this environment, she learned that her uniqueness was something to be celebrated rather than hidden.

At the age of 11, her life took another remarkable turn. A designer in Hong Kong invited her to a photo shoot designed to celebrate “perfect imperfections.” She was then asked to walk in a fashion show—a monumental step for a child once abandoned because of her appearance. “It was a fantastic experience,” Xueli told the BBC, reflecting on that pivotal moment.

Breaking Into Fashion

The fashion world has long been criticized for narrow beauty standards, yet Xueli became part of a growing movement for inclusivity. A London-based photographer recognized her potential and mentored her, ensuring she was treated with the respect due to every model. Their collaboration led to an extraordinary milestone: in June 2019, Xueli appeared in Vogue Italia.

“At the time, I didn’t fully realize how prestigious the magazine was,” she admitted. “It took a while to understand why people were so excited.” Her appearance was more than a personal achievement—it was a declaration that beauty comes in many forms.

Today, the media increasingly includes models with physical differences, disabilities, or genetic conditions such as albinism. Xueli sees this as progress, though she stresses that inclusivity should be standard. “There are still models who are extremely tall or skinny, but now people with disabilities or differences are featured more in the media. It’s great—but it should just be normal.”

Seeing Inner Beauty

Due to her limited vision, Xueli experiences the world differently, which has shaped how she evaluates others. “Maybe because I cannot see everything clearly, I focus more on people’s voices and what they say,” she explained. “Their inner beauty matters more to me.”

Her perspective underscores a larger truth: superficial judgment misses the essence of a person. For Xueli, modeling is not just about fashion; it is a platform to shift societal perspectives and confront prejudice.

Advocacy and Purpose

Now 16, Xueli is committed to raising awareness about albinism. She emphasizes the importance of respectful language, advocating for the term “person with albinism” rather than labeling someone as “an albino,” reinforcing that identity is more than a medical condition.

Above all, she is determined to challenge the deadly stigma that still threatens children with albinism in some parts of the world. “I won’t accept that children are killed because of their condition,” she declared. “I want to change the world.”

Xueli’s courage extends beyond the runway. By sharing her story, she redefines beauty and fights for a world where children with albinism can live without fear, violence, or rejection.

A Bright Future

From the steps of an orphanage in China to the glossy pages of Vogue, Xueli Abbing’s life exemplifies resilience, love, and the transformative power of embracing difference. Her journey shows that what is once dismissed as “strange” or “other” can, with courage and perseverance, inspire millions.

The girl who was once abandoned for her appearance has become an international symbol of hope and beauty. And her story is only beginning.

We wish Xueli all the best as she continues her extraordinary journey, reminding the world to seek beauty where it has long overlooked it.