Creator Jay Penn Releases New ‘Love & Us’ Short Episode to Launch Season 2 Crowdfunding Campaign

Creator and producer Jay Penn announces the release of a new 'Love & Us' short episode, expanding the world of the acclaimed indie dramedy while officially launching crowdfunding efforts for its anticipated second season.

In a clever display of meta storytelling, Penn weaves a fundraising campaign into the show’s universe in the bonus installment, Love & Us: The Short. Sean, played by Penn, must secure funding for his first script, with the help of his friends Devin and Drew. Written as a standalone story, the new episode serves as both a narrative bridge and a call to action, inviting audiences to help bring Season 2 to life. 

“I wanted to create something that could stand on its own while also helping move the story forward,” Penn tells Gaye Magazine. “This short episode is a love letter to our audience and an invitation to help us continue telling honest, nuanced stories about Black queer friendship, love, and emotional growth.”

Premiering in 2022 on YouTube, Love & Us follows the personal and romantic lives of three Black, gay millennials, Sean, Devin, and Andrew as they navigate dating in Los Angeles while confronting the complexities of friendship, identity, and emotional growth.

Love & Us offers comedic, relatable storytelling from different Black, gay male perspectives while exploring themes of relationships, healing, sexual wellness, and introspection. Since its debut, Love & Us garnered over 250,000 views on YouTube and has built a growing, online following. 

The crowdfunding campaign is live via GoFundMe with a goal of $20,000. Funds will directly support the development and production of Love & Us Season 2, allowing the series to grow while maintaining the independent spirit and authenticity that has resonated with viewers. 

At a time when Black, queer stories remain underrepresented in mainstream media, Love & Us creates space by centering genuine, multidimensional portrayals of Black gay men that boldly challenge long-standing stereotypes. 

Support the Season 2 crowdfunding campaign here!

About Jay Penn

Jay Penn is a multifaceted Los Angeles-based storyteller and creator of Love & Us. He is committed to producing emotionally resonant and timely stories that truthfully reflect Black queer life. The series is loosely inspired by his own experiences as a gay man seeking love in Los Angeles. Through his work, Penn tells stories from his life, and those of his friends, connecting with audiences who have felt underrepresented or disillusioned in the search for love. 

About Love & Us

Set in Los Angeles, Love & Us follows three Black gay men in their 30s attempting to redefine love while navigating new friendships and healing from past wounds. The series explores the challenges of redefining relationships as they journey through life together. Since its pilot episode, Love & Us has developed a faithful audience with over a quarter million viewers, a testament to the real demand for authentic gay narratives. 

For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, contact threetwelveentertainment@gmail.com. Follow the series on social media @LoveandUsSeries.