When companies and brands create ad campaigns showcasing the different hues of Black women, there’s typically a group of people consistently left out. Black women with albinism are often forgotten in these conversations. Now, with the power of social media, albino Black women are creating their own narratives and users are loving it.
What is Albinism?
Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin throughout the body. This includes the color of one’s skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism have little to no melanin, which can result in a range of characteristics. Many people with albinism have pale skin, white or light-colored hair, and light-colored eyes. According to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, roughly one out of every 18,000 to 20,000 people born in America, each year, has some form of albinism.
When it comes to albinism in Black people, many who have the condition are often faced with societal challenges. There is a general misconception that albinism can only occur in white people. This often results in discrimination and even some cases of racism. On top of societal issues, people with albinism face many health issues as well. Due to their lack of melanin, they are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
Although Black people with albinism may face issues that people with average amounts of melanin may not face, they still are showing up and showing out. Creators on TikTok are answering questions their followers have about albinism, giving followers fashion looks and even making people laugh until their stomachs hurt.
Here are some albino TikTok creators who have the app in a chokehold.
TikTok Creators
Creator, Monet, has her followers in stitches with every video she posts. She does not intentionally try to be funny, but does so by simply being her authentic self. Her content includes get ready with me videos and try on hauls. She also spreads body positivity. As a plus size woman, she lets everyone know that she does not care what they think of her body and that she loves her size.
Mirian Njoh is a creator who is an albino advocate as well as a fashionista. She shares insight with her followers about her albinism and things she goes through as a Black woman with albinism, daily. She also shares outfit inspiration with her followers based on her own fashion style.
Alexis Carey, is another Black albino creator who shares a bit of her life with followers. She is an albino advocate who speaks up about her experiences with albinism and answers questions her followers may have for her. She also takes her followers on her hair journey as she tries new styles, sets and colors to switch up her look.