More than 120 years ago, a boy named Vander Clyde Broadway, who was gay, used his mother's metal clothesline to practice walking on a tightrope. He later became a trapeze performer known worldwide as "Barbette the Enigma" in the 1920s and 1930s. He was famous for dressing as a woman to perform and then revealing at the end of his act that he was a man. A Texas historical marker was unveiled by his grave at Round Rock Cemetery, recognizing him as one of a handful of historical markers in Texas recognizing LGBTQ+ history. "It's mind-blowing that someone who is queer from a small town in Texas is getting this recognition," said Chris Cahill, Barbette's great-niece. Barbette became famous as an aerialist in the United States, Europe, South America and Australia. He found solidarity in a group of artists and writers that included Jean Cocteau, Man Ray and Pablo Picasso. His career as an aerialist ended in 1938 when he fell during a performance in New York City. He later started the second part of his career as a coach for circus acts and as a consultant for Hollywood. He died in 1973 at age 76 after an apparent intentional overdose of pain medication.
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Round Rock Honors Barbette with LGBTQ+ History Marker in Texas
A new historical marker recognizes Barbette, the internationally known trapeze artist from Round Rock who became a groundbreaking figure in drag history.
Published June 7, 2026 at 10:00am by Claire Osborn
