Meet Xueli Abbing: the 16-year-old Chinese model with albinism. Abandoned near birth because of her disorder, Xueli is proving to the world that her disadvantages do not define her, and she is doing it with style (literally).
Her story
It was approximately 15 years ago when a baby girl was left outside an orphanage in China. At the time, China was enforcing a strict one-child policy and this child was born with albinism. Seen as a curse in Chinese culture, she was abandoned without so much as a birth certificate. The orphanage staffed named her Xue Li, meaning “snow beautiful”. No one could have predicted how beautiful and bright her future would be.
Xueli was adopted by the Abbing family at age 3. At age 11, a friend of her mother’s invited her to model in a Hong Kong campaign called “perfect imperfections”. From this campaign, Xueli was recruited by other photographers and eventually scouted by Zebedee Talent. In 2019, Vogue Italia purchased a portrait from one of Xueli’s shoots; she was featured in their June issue. Her career exploded from there.
Breaking barriers in the modelling world
Although grateful for her success, Xueli has expressed more gratitude towards the voice of her art projects. There are strong stereotypes in the modelling world towards those with albinism (i.e., angels, ghosts) which perpetuate cultural beliefs that albinism means cursed. Xueli preaches that albinism is simply a genetic disorder, and it cannot define someone. Her photos reflect this notion as they steer away from the conventional imagery.
“Disability is the last taboo we have to break in the [modelling] industry,” Xueli told Keisei. In addition to stereotypes, Xueli faces some disadvantages due to her disorder. Light sensitivity is the most prominent in her art which is why Xueli is often photographed with her eyes closed. She sees this as an opportunity, however, to challenge traditional understandings of beauty.
“Having blue eyes or brown hair isn’t what makes you more attractive, nor does skinny qualify you,” Xueli explained to Keisei. “Rather it’s how you live your life and what you do for others after what you have been through that can make you a beautiful person.”
Using her spotlight to raise awareness and to empower
Xueli hopes her message will extend beyond the walls of the modelling industry. She dreams of a world where those with albinism will not be feared, exiled or killed. She dreams of a society that embraces disability as an opportunity.
“When we dare to use what makes us stand out for the good of others, miracles do happen. All imperfections, differences and even our disabilities can provoke change, as much as our talents and achievements,” she proclaimed to Keisei.
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Alongside her work, Xueli openly supports disadvantaged groups through social media and in interviews. Her Instagram features posts for various initiatives including Albinism Awareness Day, LGBTQ+ equality and campaigns for diversity. All of her interviews demand a focus on creating change. Xueli believes that everyone should feel empowered to follow their dreams regardless of their situation.
She emphasized to Keisei, “Everyone has been rejected by someone, but believe in your dreams no matter what and take steps to believing that you can do anything that you want in life. It is possible but it starts by you believing it.” She truly is a beacon of hope.
All images in this article are courtesy of respective owners.
