Xueli Abbing is a girl whose story is both inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. Born in China with albinism, she faced a childhood filled with challenges and uncertainty. Her name, meaning “snow white and beautiful,” reflects the beauty and grace that she naturally possesses, but her early life was far from easy. After being abandoned at an orphanage, she was left to navigate a world that often didn’t understand her condition. The stigma surrounding albinism, unfortunately, often comes with discrimination and prejudice, and Xueli’s early years were no exception. Yet, despite these hardships, she found a path to a brighter future and became a beacon of hope for many others facing similar struggles.
At the age of 11, Xueli was adopted by a loving family in the Netherlands. Her new life marked the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities and new experiences. It was in this welcoming environment that she first dipped her toes into the world of modeling. Despite the noise of judgment and misconceptions surrounding albinism, she bravely decided to embrace her uniqueness. Her natural beauty, combined with her unwavering confidence, helped her stand out in the industry. From the start, she faced her share of challenges, but her resilience and determination never wavered.
Xueli’s debut in the fashion world was a breakthrough, and her talent and personality quickly caught attention. By the time she was 11, she was walking the runway and appearing in photoshoots. Her natural charisma, paired with her willingness to challenge stereotypes, made her a role model for many young people, especially those with albinism or other visible differences. In 2019, her remarkable story gained international attention when she was featured in Vogue Italia, a prestigious milestone for any young model. This cover wasn’t just a celebration of her beauty—it was a powerful statement against prejudice, showing the world that beauty comes in many forms.
Throughout her career, Xueli has been outspoken about her condition. She often shares that albinism is a genetic condition—something people are born with, not a curse or a flaw. Her message is simple yet impactful: she wants to break down the misconceptions and stereotypes that continue to haunt many people with albinism. For her, the platform she has gained is not just about fashion; it’s about advocacy. She wants to educate others, dispel myths, and promote understanding.
Her journey isn’t just about pushing her career forward. It’s also about making a difference in the lives of others. Xueli dreams of a world where children with albinism don’t have to face violence, discrimination, or isolation. Sadly, in some parts of the world, people with albinism are targets of violence and superstition, seen as cursed or dangerous, which leads to tragic consequences. She hopes that by sharing her story and using her voice, she can help change perceptions and create a safer, more accepting environment.
“I want to change the world,” Xueli often says, and those words reflect her genuine desire to make a difference. Whether it’s speaking at events, participating in campaigns, or simply sharing her experiences on social media, she is committed to raising awareness. She emphasizes that beauty and worth are not defined by skin color or appearance but by who we are inside—something she’s learned to cherish and promote.
We all wish Xueli the best in her inspiring mission—her courage and resilience serve as a reminder that one person’s voice can indeed spark change. Her story encourages us to look beyond surface differences and to see the beauty and strength that lies within everyone. As she continues to advocate for acceptance and understanding, she reminds us that kindness and compassion are powerful tools in transforming perceptions and creating a more inclusive world.
