She was probably abandoned due to her albinism and as a result of China’s one child policy. When Xueli was 12 years old she got her first modelling job and at the age of 16 she did her first modelling for a fashion show in HongKong.
Growing up she learned about the atrocities people with albinism face in some African countries. The stories were heartbreaking and especially those on children with albinism who could not live with their parents but needed to be locked in safe houses in Tanzania.
Xueli was approached by the activist Josephat Torner who dedicated his life to advocate for the rights of people with albinism in Tanzania. They met several times and Xueli listened at events to Josephat’s stories about living with albinism in Tanzania.
In April 2021, the journalist, Jennifer Meierhans, wrote an article which was published by the BBC and translated to many languages.The genetic condition albinism was explained to a large public and and Xueli shared her personal story.
“In modelling, looking different is a blessing not a curse and it gives me a platform to raise awareness of albinism”
“Maybe because I cannot see everything properly I focus more on people’s voices and what they have to say. So their inner beauty is more important to me”
“I’m not going to accept that children are being murdered because of their albinism. I want to change the world. I want other children with albinism - or any form of disability or difference - to know they can do and be anything they want”
“It is important that a good foundation is built, because without a foundation you cannot build a house”
For enquiries please contact us at info@openeyesfoundation.nl
