A baby girl born with albinism was abandoned by her parents, She looked too weird for them and left her at an orphanage door

The story of Xueli Abbing is both heartbreaking and uplifting, a powerful reminder that beauty, worth, and purpose are not defined by the circumstances of one’s birth. Born in China with albinism, Xueli was abandoned at the door of an orphanage as an infant. Her parents left her behind, believing she looked too “different” to be accepted in society.

Her life could have followed a tragic path. Children born with albinism are often subjected to stigma, discrimination, and even violence in some cultures, where myths and superstitions paint them as cursed or as having mystical powers. In certain regions, children with albinism are hunted for their bones, believed to possess healing properties. For Xueli, survival itself was an act of grace. “I’m lucky I was only abandoned,” she later reflected.

A Name with Meaning

At the orphanage, the staff gave her the name Xueli. It was no ordinary choice. In Chinese, Xue means “as white as snow,” and Li means “beautiful.” Together, the name carried a message of 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. This not only changes appearance but can also bring challenges such as sensitivity to sunlight and vision impairment. For many with albinism, life is a daily struggle against prejudice and misunderstanding. But Xueli’s journey would prove that difference can also be a source of strength.

A New Beginning in the Netherlands

Xueli’s life changed dramatically when she was adopted by a loving Dutch family. They raised her with care, ensuring she grew up with the confidence and support that every child deserves. Surrounded by acceptance, she found a home where her uniqueness was celebrated, not hidden.

By the age of 11, her life took another surprising turn. A designer in Hong Kong invited her to take part in a photo shoot aimed at highlighting “perfect imperfections.” The shoot celebrated diversity in beauty, and Xueli was asked to walk in a fashion show. For a child once abandoned for her appearance, stepping onto that runway marked the start of an extraordinary journey. “It was a fantastic experience,” she recalled in an interview with the BBC.

Breaking Into the Fashion World

The fashion industry is often criticized for rigid beauty standards, but Xueli became part of a slow, important shift. A London-based photographer recognized her potential and mentored her, ensuring she was treated with the respect every model deserves. Their collaboration led to something extraordinary: in June 2019, Xueli was featured in Vogue Italia.

“At the time, I didn’t know what an important magazine it was,” she admitted. “It took me a while to realize why people were so excited.” Her appearance in one of the world’s most prestigious fashion publications wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a statement that beauty exists in many forms.

Today, more models with differences—whether physical disabilities, conditions like vitiligo, or genetic traits such as albinism—are appearing in media. For Xueli, this is progress, but not nearly enough. “There are still models who are eight foot two and skinny, but now people with disabilities or differences are featured more in the media. This is great—but it should be normal.”

Seeing Inner Beauty

Due to her albinism, Xueli has limited vision, which has shaped how she perceives others. “Maybe because I cannot see everything properly, I focus more on people’s voices and what they have to say,” she explained. “So their inner beauty is more important to me.”

Her insight speaks to a broader truth: when the world judges people superficially, it misses the essence of who they are. For Xueli, modeling is not just about fashion; it’s a platform to shift perspectives and challenge prejudice.

Advocacy and Purpose

Now 16, Xueli has made it her mission to raise awareness about albinism. She advocates for changing how people speak about the condition, preferring the term “person with albinism” rather than “an albino,” so that identity is not reduced to a diagnosis. She wants the world to see that albinism is a genetic condition, not a curse or anomaly.

Most importantly, she is determined to fight the deadly stigma that still exists in some parts of the world. “I won’t consent to the idea that children are being killed because they are albinos,” she declared. “I want to transform the world.”

Her courage extends far beyond the runway. By telling her story, she is not only redefining beauty but also working to ensure that children with albinism can live without fear of violence or rejection.

A Bright Future

From the doorsteps of an orphanage in China to the glossy pages of Vogue, Xueli Abbing’s life is proof of resilience, love, and the power of embracing difference. Her journey reminds us that what is once dismissed as “weird” can, with time and courage, inspire millions.

The girl once abandoned for her appearance has become an international symbol of beauty and hope. And she’s only just beginning.

We wish Xueli nothing but the best as she continues her journey. Her story is not only about personal triumph but also about challenging the world to see beauty where it has long failed to look.