Let’s talk about one of the internet’s most shocking trends—something that’s left people stunned, disturbed, and scrambling to scrub their search history: the rainbow kiss. At first glance, the term might sound like a sweet, innocent gesture or maybe even something related to art or makeup. But once you find out what it actually means, that innocent image quickly fades. The rainbow kiss is not for the faint of heart, and before you even think about Googling it, consider this your friendly warning.
Those who have already looked it up have described their reactions with words like “traumatized” and “scarred for life.” TikTok users have shared videos of their horrified expressions, with captions like “I should never have searched that” and “I’m never going to do that.” So what is it, really? In the most PG way possible, a rainbow kiss is a sexual act involving two people engaging in oral sex—usually in the 69 position—while one partner is menstruating and the other ejaculates. Afterward, the partners kiss, with one person having semen in their mouth and the other menstrual blood, creating what some call a “colorful” blend of fluids, hence the term “rainbow.” The name might sound whimsical, but the reality behind it is anything but.
For many, it’s a hard no. Others have called it “next-level gross,” while a few online voices argue that the act is part of a growing movement to normalize and de-stigmatize period sex. Either way, it has sparked intense conversations around the internet. Some people have also confused the rainbow kiss with another controversial act known as “snowballing,” which involves the exchange of semen between partners through kissing after oral sex. Though they are often discussed in the same conversations, they are entirely different acts. According to sex educator Dr. Wendasha Jenkins Hall, the rainbow kiss is essentially a more extreme version of the traditional 69 position.
She describes it as “not for the faint of heart,” noting that it takes a certain level of openness and comfort between partners to even consider trying it. And for those who already find the concept of 69 a bit too adventurous, the rainbow kiss definitely pushes that boundary further. Interestingly, experts like Dr. Neil Cannon, a certified sex therapist based in Denver, use the conversation around rainbow kisses as a way to highlight how society handles bodily fluids—especially those associated with menstruation.
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“When it comes to sex, all roads lead to shame,” he says, pointing out that menstrual blood, like other bodily fluids, is natural and shouldn’t be treated as taboo. In his view, many people’s strong reactions come more from learned shame and discomfort than from the act itself. But even with that more open-minded perspective, there are very real health considerations that shouldn’t be ignored. Dr. Heather Irobunda, a board-certified OB-GYN, warns that semen and menstrual blood can both carry sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. If either person has open cuts in their mouth, bleeding gums, or sores, the risk of transmission increases significantly. She emphasizes that people should only engage in this act if they are both of legal age, fully consenting, and 100% sure of each other’s STI status. For anyone who’s sexually active—whether in a relationship or not—she recommends getting tested regularly, ideally every three to six months. Although the rainbow kiss isn’t exactly a new phenomenon, it’s one of those underground sex acts that suddenly gains viral attention, thanks to platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Twitter. What was once considered a niche kink or taboo topic is now trending and discussed openly, which shows just how much conversations about sex, bodies, and intimacy have evolved. These days, nothing stays secret for long online. So now that you know what a rainbow kiss really is, the decision is yours. If you’re considering it, make sure you’re informed, safe, and completely comfortable with your partner. And if this trend isn’t your thing, that’s totally fine too. Either way, it’s probably best to think twice before clicking that search bar—because once you see it, you really can’t unsee it.
