Variações grew up on his parent's farm with several siblings and
found his love for music when he heard his dad play the accordion and
cavaquinho. The media in Portugal was heavily censored during his
younger years, so Variações would have rarely heard anyone speak
positively about LGBTQ+ people or seen anyone wear clothes outside of
traditional gender norms. It wasn’t until he traveled to London and
learned hairdressing in Amsterdam that he felt comfortable to experiment
with more diverse styles. Variações then returned to Lisbon with a
unique fashion sense, often donning two-toned facial hair, bold colors
and prints, and large metal accessories.
He worked at the first unisex hair salon in Portugal before opening his own in 1979, É Pró Menino e Prá Menina. He also sang at nightclubs around Lisbon and on a TV show before gaining stardom with his self-written first album, Anjo da Guarda. His song Estou Além blended
genres like synth, pop, rock, and fado, earning remarkable popularity
and critical acclaim. Variações went on to influence pop-rock again with
Dar e Receber, a more somber album released in 1984.
But before he got a chance to see Canção Do Engate
become a radio hit, he tragically passed from HIV/AIDS-related
complications. As one of the first famous Portuguese HIV/AIDS victims,
he raised awareness and empathy for the condition.
Artists still
perform covers of his work to this day, and in 2004, a group of
musicians recorded an album of unheard songs written by Variações. The
Fiscal primary school he attended is now being transformed into an
interpretive center in his honor.
While Variações never officially
came out as LGBTQ+, he remains an icon for many in the community.
During Pride, people celebrate the legendary musician for his pioneering
self-expression and lasting impact on LGBTQ+ culture.
Happy birthday, António Variações! Thanks for always marching to the beat of your own drum.
