An intimacy coordinator is an advocate and liaison between actors, directors, crew, and production. ICs are also movement coaches, choreographers, and dramaturgs regarding nudity, simulated sex, and other intimate or hyper-exposed scenes.
Very similar to having a stunt coordinator on set to oversee safety and authenticity with physical stunt work, an intimacy coordinator supports the director's creative vision while ensuring the safety and consent of all those involved.
While the role is certainly in part one of advocacy and safety, a good IC should also be a creative and dramaturgical resource, working with your entire production to make sure your intimate stories are elevated and accurate.
The HR department or the sex police! Intimacy in all its many forms is a crucial part of the human condition, and thus, and integral part of our characters and storytelling. An IC isn’t there to sanitize or do away with the intimacy- we’re there to enhance it; to make sure it is executed both ethically and authentically.