From Bullying to Fashion Icon: The Journey of Yueliang Selene

At just 12 years old, Yueliang Selene faced a challenging start in life after undergoing life-saving surgery that resulted in the amputation of her left leg due to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. During her recovery, she endured not only physical pain but also emotional hardship, confronting strangers who stared or hurled hurtful comments like “Look, there’s a cripple” or “That woman with a short leg.” These experiences made her fearful of social interactions, and changing schools only intensified her feelings of alienation.

However, her outlook began to shift when she entered university, studying law and exploring her interests in fashion. Selene found that dressing up made her feel empowered. She experimented with diverse styles—from Lolita lace to Japanese streetwear, goth, and more—embracing every look’s unique appeal. Despite lacking formal fashion training, she is self-taught and eagerly hopes to design clothes in the future.

Selene’s bold fashion choices gained her a dedicated following on TikTok, where her videos showcasing her eclectic outfits have amassed over 4.5 million likes. Her content blends gothic glam with Far Eastern influences, making her a true fashion chameleon. Yet, her rise to fame hasn’t been without online hate; she has received harsh comments about her body, prompting her to sometimes disable comments for her safety. Still, she urges others not to let negativity drain their energy.

For Selene, her style and visibility serve as a source of hope and inspiration for many, especially individuals with disabilities. While she doesn’t label herself as an advocate, she’s proud that her openness might motivate others to embrace their uniqueness. Her signature fashion staple? “Always platform shoes,” she affirms with a smile, symbolizing her confidence and resilience.