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South African Model Blazes Trail as First Person With Albinism to Cover Vogue

South African Model Blazes Trail as First Person With Albinism to Cover Vogue

When South African model and lawyer, Thando Hopa, told a close friend that it would be great to see a woman with albinism on the cover of Vogue, she never thought she would be the one to make it happen. With the release of the April issue of Vogue Portugal, she did just that. 

In a tweet, Vogue Portugal shared that the theme for this month’s issue, Africa Motherland, is dedicated to Africa “as the cradle of humanity.”

The issue featured two covers, one with Hoda and the other with supermodel, Alek Wek.

Hoda took to Instagram to share a little about what the cover means to her. 

“We are the ones we have been waiting for. I’m emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative. I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that wherever I go, my existence, the way it is, has always and will always be enough.”

In the same way that Alek Wek’s beautiful image in magazines helped people embrace their skin, Hoda’s presence and words will undoubtedly help others with albinism do the same.