Chris Colfer says he was warned not to come out as gay while on “Glee” — even though he played an openly gay character —

because it’d ruin his career … but he didn’t listen.

The actor went on “The View” Tuesday where he reflected on his time on the hit show from the 2010s — on which he played Kurt, who was gay … obviously mirroring CC’s real-life sexual identity.

At the time, however, Colfer says he wasn’t out just yet … and goes on to say people around were encouraging him to keep his orientation a secret — warning he could torpedo his career.

According to him … the thinking from these folks at the time was something along the lines of — don’t come out, it’ll only hurt you, and you have to stay closeted, it’ll pay off professionally down the line. As backwards as this seems … he says that was kinda the mindset then.

Interestingly, Colfer says he actually didn’t come out for a while at first — but when he got a sweet letter from a fan thanking him for the representation his character was offering on TV … he realized that being a beacon of inspiration for others was more important.

Now, he lives out loud … and has been with his partner Will Sherrod for a decade.

Of course, it’s Pride Month right now — so this story couldn’t have come at a better time. Things sure have changed since when “Glee” was on the air … that much is certain.