“There is just something about being supported by someone that looks like you.” - Jimanekia Eborn, CINTIMA Co-Founder
The argument for more diversity in the field of Intimacy Coordination has always been a bit difficult for me to grasp with words. Typically, there’s only one Intimacy Coordinator on set, and if an intimacy scene involves performers of different races or ethnicities, which one should have the privilege of being represented by that one Intimacy Coordinator? Then there’s the hiring funnel of bringing the same people back who have proven to do a job well. Is there really anything unethical about that? And then there’s the cost of training to become an Intimacy Coordinator. Like any business, there are costs to keeping the lights on which lead to the cost of the product being exclusive. Anytime my brain spirals through these questions, I remember change will not come without disruption. Performers want support from IC’s who look like them, and IC trainees want support from colleagues and mentors who look like them. Representation matters and diverse voices behind the scenes contribute to more authentic story-telling.
By now, many people are aware of the key roles of Intimacy Coordinators on set: facilitating consent and boundaries, liaising between production and performers, and choreographing intimate scenes - authentically. Cultural sensitivities play an equally important role in this authenticity. For example, if we are telling an intimate story featuring a black woman, is her bonnet on? If not, is the performer allowing for her hair to be touched? What race is her scene partner? What’s her religious background? The answers to these questions create the details of an enticing, realistic story. Let’s say a performer is a faithful Muslim, and cannot intimately touch a woman to whom they are not married? What about language barriers? The list of representation is endless. It’s impossible for any IC on any set to know everything about the nuanced dynamics which represent every individual on a set, but they should all know who they can reach out to for answers and support.
It’s Black Owned Business month. Let’s talk about the impact that Black Intimacy Coordinators can have on both an audience and the performers. A Black IC brings with them their own cultural insights and life experience. They have a deeper understanding of cultural practices, family structures, and the racial dynamics that affect the intimacy lives of Black people. This allows them to guide scenes to reflect the realities of Black characters more accurately, and positions them to challenge harmful racial stereotypes. Black culture deserves narratives that honor the complexity and richness of Black lives. Black IC’s also create safe spaces for Black performers. Having a Black IC on a predominately white set empowers Black performers to be more vulnerable because they know they are being heard, acknowledged, respected, and understood.
[Side Note] Unfortunately since the burden of advocacy and education falls on black people, I sadly feel the need to clarify: I’m not saying this can’t happen with white Intimacy Coordinators. It’s just necessary that Black people in any role have the same opportunities allotted to them as their white counterparts.
Diverse Intimacy Coordinators also help to shape authentic narratives that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. Authenticity in storytelling must be present for the portrayal of characters to reflect a true lived experience. Media is so powerful. When audiences see themselves reflected accurately on screen, it fosters deeper emotional connections, which [I can’t believe I’m actually writing this] lead to a better world.
Promoting diversity in Intimacy Coordination is not just about talking about the need for more opportunities, it’s about providing those opportunities. Mentorship and training programs are crucial in ensuring that aspiring Black Intimacy Coordinators can enter the field with confidence.
CINTIMA is offering 50% OFF our Certification Course to our Black-identifying community. If this is you, and you are interested in becoming a certified Intimacy Coordinator, please email us at scholarships@cintima.co by August 31st for more information on how to claim your discounted rate!
Looking to the future, there is a growing vision for a more inclusive and representative film industry. Intimacy Coordination is one facet of this, but the presence of diverse voices across all areas of production will ultimately lead to richer, more nuanced storytelling that honors the full breadth of the human experience.
