ROUND ROCK, Texas — A groundbreaking chapter of Texas and LGBTQ+ history will be recognized Thursday as community leaders, historians, artists, and advocates gather in Round Rock to dedicate an Official Texas Historical Marker honoring Barbette, one of the world’s most celebrated performers of the early 20th century.
Round Rock to unveil Texas historical marker honoring trailblazing performer Barbette (Williamson Museum)Barbette in costume.jpg
The public ceremony begins at 5 p.m. at Round Rock Cemetery and marks the installation of a state historical marker recognizing the life and legacy of Barbette, the internationally acclaimed aerialist and female impersonator who was raised in Round Rock.
Born Vander Clyde Broadway in West Texas and raised in Round Rock, Barbette rose to international fame during the 1920s and 1930s with a gender-bending trapeze act that captivated audiences from Broadway to Paris.
The performer earned praise from influential artists and cultural figures, including French writer Jean Cocteau and photographer Man Ray.
Vander Clyde as ‘Barbette.’ Photography by Man Ray (Williamson Museum)
Today, historians regard Barbette as a pioneering figure in both performance art and LGBTQ+ history, whose work challenged traditional ideas about gender and influenced generations of entertainers.
MORE | UT Press & CBS Austin Anchor John-Carlos Estrada revive lost story of Texas icon Barbette
The historical marker dedication represents the culmination of more than a decade of research, advocacy, and preservation efforts to secure official state recognition for Barbette’s contributions to Texas history.
Round Rock to unveil Texas historical marker honoring trailblazing performer Barbette (Barbette’s Legacy Foundation)
Interest in Barbette’s story has grown significantly in recent years. In 2022, CBS Austin aired an award-winning Throwback Thursday report highlighting Barbette’s extraordinary life and Central Texas roots.
The story helped introduce many Texans to a performer whose influence extended far beyond the state’s borders.
Recognition of Barbette’s legacy has continued to expand.
During Pride Month in 2025, CapMetro honored Barbette with a specially wrapped bus featuring the performer’s image and story.
CapMetro’s Pride Month 2025 bus wrap celebrated Barbette’s lasting impact on performance art, LGBTQ+ history, and Central Texas. (CapMetro)
The bus traveled throughout Austin, bringing renewed attention to the pioneering entertainer and introducing thousands of riders to a largely forgotten figure in Texas history.
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CapMetro’s Pride Month 2025 bus wrap celebrated Barbette’s lasting impact on performance art, LGBTQ+ history, and Central Texas. (CapMetro)
CBS Austin anchor John-Carlos Estrada has continued researching Barbette’s life and legacy and is currently writing a book about the performer for publication by the University of Texas Press.
The marker was approved through the Texas Historical Commission’s Official Texas Historical Marker Program, placing Barbette among thousands of people, places, and events recognized as significant to the state’s history.
Round Rock to unveil Texas historical marker honoring trailblazing performer Barbette (Barbette’s Legacy Foundation)
The ceremony will include remarks from local leaders, historians, and community advocates, followed by the unveiling of the historical marker.
Following the dedication, attendees are invited to a social gathering at Swallow Wines in downtown Round Rock.
Round Rock to unveil Texas historical marker honoring trailblazing performer Barbette (Williamson Museum)
Organizers say the event is not only a celebration of Barbette’s remarkable career, but also an opportunity to preserve and share an often-overlooked piece of Texas history.
The event is hosted by the Barbette Legacy Foundation and Round Rock Pride in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission and local preservation advocates.
Round Rock to unveil Texas historical marker honoring trailblazing performer Barbette (Williamson Museum)
Event Details:
What: Official Barbette Texas Historical Marker DedicationWhen: Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 5 p.m.Where: Round Rock Cemetery1100 Sam Bass RoadRound Rock, Texas 78681Reception Following: Swallow Wines407 Round Rock AvenueRound Rock, Texas