Let’s talk about a trend that’s left the internet in complete shock—something called the “rainbow kiss.” If you’ve heard the term floating around online and were tempted to search it, there’s a good chance you instantly regretted that decision. This trend has stirred up strong reactions, from horror to curiosity, and has become one of those things people stumble upon and immediately wish they hadn’t.
While the phrase might sound innocent or even whimsical—maybe something out of a Lisa Frank notebook—it’s definitely not kid-friendly. In fact, what it actually refers to is far more graphic, involving a combination of bodily fluids: menstrual blood and semen. The act typically takes place during oral sex in the 69 position. After each partner has performed their part, one person ends up with semen in their mouth while the other has menstrual blood, and then they kiss. This exchange is what leads to the term “rainbow,” referencing the mixture of colors and, well, let’s say “fluids.” Understandably, people have had strong reactions. One TikTok user admitted, “I’m shaking,” while another simply said, “I should never have searched that…” And then there are the folks who declare they’ve been “scarred for life” after stumbling across it online.
The general sentiment? Curiosity may have gotten the best of them, but they definitely didn’t like what they found. And honestly, can you blame them? Just reading about it is enough to make some people pause and question what’s happening on the internet these days. But to add to the confusion, some people mix up the rainbow kiss with something called “snowballing,” which is an entirely different (and equally explicit) act involving the sharing of semen between partners via kissing. It’s easy to see how the two could get lumped together, but they’re separate things in the world of sexual slang.
Dr. Wendasha Jenkins Hall, a sex educator based in Atlanta, has explained that the rainbow kiss is essentially an “intensified” or “advanced” version of the 69 position. If you thought 69 was edgy, then the rainbow kiss is the next level up. And it’s not just about the physical act—it’s about breaking taboos, especially those surrounding menstruation and period sex. Another expert, Dr. Neil Cannon, a certified sex therapist based in Denver, points out that shame often plays a major role in how people view acts involving bodily fluids, particularly menstrual blood. “When it comes to sex, all roads lead to shame,” Cannon explains, adding that society often places unnecessary stigma on period sex. He suggests we try to view menstrual blood as simply another bodily fluid, no more shameful than any other. Still, even with a more open-minded approach, there’s an important aspect that can’t be ignored: safety.
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From a health perspective, engaging in a rainbow kiss comes with real risks. Both semen and menstrual blood can carry sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. If either partner has open cuts, sores, or bleeding gums, the chances of transmission are significantly increased. That’s why Dr. Heather Irobunda, a board-certified OB-GYN, strongly advises against trying this unless both partners are fully aware of each other’s sexual health status, are STI-free, and have taken the necessary precautions. She also recommends that anyone who’s sexually active—whether in a monogamous relationship or not—should get tested for STIs every three to six months. While the rainbow kiss isn’t exactly new, it’s recently surged into mainstream awareness thanks to platforms like TikTok and Twitter, where sex-related slang often trends faster than people can hit the “search” button. And like so many of these viral terms, it’s a reminder of how our conversations around sex, bodies, and kink are evolving. What used to be whispered about behind closed doors is now front and center on social media feeds. So, if you’ve seen the term rainbow kiss online and wondered what all the buzz is about, now you know. It’s not for the faint of heart, and it definitely isn’t something everyone is eager to try. If you’re considering it, make sure you’re informed, safe, and 100% comfortable—because once you learn about it, there’s no unlearning it.
