Henry Blake Fuller was born on September 1, 1857 in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, he showed a talent for writing and storytelling. He attended the prestigious Allison Classical Academy, where his journals later revealed his homosexual attraction to his roommates.
Fuller's literary career began in 1892 when he published his first work, The Chatelaine of La Trinite. This marked the start of a successful writing career that would span several decades. He would go on to write numerous novels and short stories, with his most famous work being the controversial 1919 novel, Bertram Cope's Year, which subtly addressed homosexual themes.
In addition to Bertram Cope's Year, Fuller also wrote Under the Skylights and The Cliff-Dwellers, among others. His writing often explored social issues and themes of identity and sexuality. Fuller's work was ahead of its time and he paved the way for other LGBTQ+ writers to openly address such topics in their own works.
Throughout his career, Fuller has often been compared to fellow author Henry James. Both writers were known for their exploration of psychological and social themes in their works, although Fuller's openly queer perspective set him apart from James.
Henry Blake Fuller's legacy as a pioneer in LGBTQ+ literature continues to be celebrated today. His willingness to address controversial topics in his writing opened doors for future generations of queer writers to explore their own identities and experiences through literature.