Model Aweng Ade-Chuol kisses her wife on cover of Elle UK after homophobic abuse
Fashion model Aweng Ade-Chuol has reacted to homophobic abuse from her community by appearing on the January cover of Elle UK magazine kissing her wife.
Ade-Chuol, who was born in a refugee camp in Kenya after her parents fled the Sudanese civil war, said she has attempted suicide after the torrent of hatred she received over her sexuality.
The model married her entrepreneur nail artist girlfriend at City Hall, New York, before the pandemic.
During the magazine shoot, the pair were captured in intimate embraces, including a topless scene.
“I'm still processing it. We got married and the whole world, literally the whole of my community, were wishing that I passed,” said Ade-Chuol.
"A few months later, I attempted [suicide]. It was really absurd, because subconsciously I felt I was maybe drained by the fact we'd got married.”
On Instagram, Ade-Chuol said: “Completely torn. I cannot get up today. I will check in next week. This world continues to fail every version of my existence. Rest in strength. You screamed for help & the world watched.”
In a later post, Ade-Chuol wrote that she had tried to take her life two months before. “I almost lost my life. Three days in the ICU and six days in the hospital,” wrote Ade-Chuol.
Ade-Chuol says her same-sex union is still being discussed in South Sudan. “It's still a discussion now, like, 'How dare she marry a woman?’,” explained the catwalk star.
"For me, it was like, with the political climate that's going on, you really think that my marriage is the most significant thing in your life right now?
"It was saddening, because it was the happiest day of my life, and they couldn't let me enjoy it."
The model has stated that she is in a “much better place”, and has received many supportive messages since she told the world how she was feeling.
While speaking to Elle UK for the January issue of the magazine, she suggested “therapy and self-acceptance” to people experiencing similar ordeals.
The Fenty model has previously championed the #blueforsudan campaign to support pro-democracy groups.
Ade-Chuol also worked with Beyonce on her visual album Black Is King this year, released in July. "Every girl's dream is to work with Queen B, and that was my dream as a kid," said Ade-Chuol.
If you are struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
The January issue of Elle UK is on sale from 1 December.
