The lives of young children are shaped largely by their parents. From birth, children depend on them for love, protection, and stability\u2014things that are essential for their happiness, health, and overall development. When children are forced to grow up without their parents, it can affect both their emotional well-being and physical health.<\/p>\n
Sixteen-year-old Xueli Abbing, who was born in China, experienced this reality early in life. Her biological parents abandoned her as a baby and left her at the door of an orphanage because they believed she looked too \u201cdifferent.\u201d<\/p>\n
The orphanage staff gave her the name Xueli<\/strong>, a name that beautifully reflected her appearance. \u201cXue\u201d means snow<\/em>, and \u201cLi\u201d means beautiful<\/em>. It was a fitting name for the little girl who was born with albinism.<\/p>\n Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloring the skin, hair, and eyes. Because of this, people with albinism often have very pale features.<\/p>\n Fortunately, Xueli was later adopted by a caring Dutch family who raised her with love and support. When she was just 11 years old, she received an unexpected opportunity: a designer in Hong Kong invited her to take part in a photo shoot celebrating different kinds of beauty.<\/p>\n Speaking to the BBC, Xueli explained that the campaign was called \u201cPerfect Imperfections.\u201d<\/strong> The designer asked if she would like to join a fashion show in Hong Kong, and Xueli said it turned out to be an amazing experience.<\/p>\n People with albinism often face stigma, discrimination, and prejudice because of their appearance. In some parts of the world, harmful myths even claim their bones have magical or medicinal powers, which can place them in danger.<\/p>\n Reflecting on this, Xueli once said, \u201cI\u2019m lucky I was only abandoned.\u201d<\/p>\n She has also shared that it makes her sad when models with albinism are cast only as angels, ghosts, or other unusual characters instead of being seen as ordinary people.<\/p>\n Despite these challenges, Xueli\u2019s life began to change for the better. A photographer from London recognized her potential and supported her career, treating her with the professionalism and respect every model deserves. Their collaboration led to a remarkable milestone\u2014Xueli appeared in the June 2019 issue of Vogue Italia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Looking back, she admitted she didn\u2019t realize at first how significant that opportunity was.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know how important the magazine was at the time,\u201d she said. \u201cIt took a while to understand why everyone was so excited.\u201d<\/p>\n She also spoke about how the fashion industry is slowly becoming more inclusive.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are still many tall and very thin models,\u201d she explained, \u201cbut now people with disabilities or differences are appearing more often in the media. That\u2019s great\u2014but it should simply be normal.\u201d<\/p>\n Because her eyesight is affected by albinism, Xueli says she often focuses less on appearance and more on what people say and how they sound.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe because I can\u2019t see everything clearly, I pay more attention to people\u2019s voices and what they have to say,\u201d she explained. \u201cFor me, someone\u2019s inner beauty matters more.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, Xueli hopes to change how the world views people with albinism. Through modeling and public speaking, she wants to raise awareness and show that albinism is a genetic condition\u2014not something mysterious or cursed.<\/p>\n She also encourages people to use respectful language, explaining that it\u2019s better to say \u201ca person with albinism\u201d<\/strong> rather than labeling someone simply as \u201can albino.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Xueli is determined to use her voice to make a difference.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t accept a world where children are harmed because they have albinism,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to help change the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Her journey\u2014from being abandoned as a baby to becoming an international model\u2014shows incredible strength and determination. We wish this snow-white beauty continued success and hope her story helps others see the beauty and value in every human being.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"