Michael Place is an eighteen year old high school senior born in Queens New York, raised all over New York state, and currently in the midst of college applications. Although his major is going to be Psychology, he insists that his university of choice has a great film program.

"Why does the world care who I f--k and s--k or choose to live the rest of my life with? Why can?t I be asked whether I have a girlfriend or a boyfriend?why does that matter anyway? The filmmakers approach random people, have them recite Place?s poetry, and reflect on their personal beliefs on homosexuality."

He started production for Why Should it Matter? over the course of his participation in SYEP (Summer youth Employment Program), and was instantly hooked. Why Should it Matter? originated from a poem he wrote three years prior, right after a bad experience with some homophobic people. Portraying the poem right was a difficult and passionate experience for Michael; he would expand and change the piece constantly, never being satisfied. School started back up in the fall, and Michael was not done perfecting his piece. He was referred to the MIX A Different Take program through his boss and adviser Nicole Jaquis. He learned a lot from his fellow filmmakers and advisers.

Loving the environment of passionate positive people, Michael cannot imagine starting production of his new documentary, about the foster care system, without the guidance and dedication of the Mix advisers.

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