Vision & History of our Gay & Lesbian Community

“More than a place to live, a way to live”... a gay & lesbian community designed for people of like minds... those who care about healthy living and forming strong social connections when we need them most... as we are aging!

Birds of a Feather Community began twenty eight years ago as a vision by its founder and developer, Bonnie McGowan, to create a special and magical community designed for gays and lesbians to have a place to live, play and belong. Her vision included a commitment to create an environment that promoted safety and security and allowed people the freedom to truly be themselves with others that shared or supported their lifestyle. Bonnie also had an equally strong commitment to preserve the land and natural resources of the community. She envisioned sustainably built homes that balanced energy consciousness with the organic harmony of the site.

After years of conducting focus groups and surveys and searching for the perfect location, Bonnie purchased 157 acres of beautiful pine forested property in Pecos, New Mexico in 1999 and thus began the long journey to make her dream a reality.

The subdivision approval process with state and county agencies began in 2000 and Bonnie finally received approval for the first eighteen lots in late 2003. She began infrastructure improvements and lot sales in 2004 and all eighteen lots in the community were quickly sold to LGBT people from all over the country. Home building began in 2006 with Bonnie's “EcoNest”, and the fourteen homes completed since then are now nestled in the midst of our gorgeous pine forests... one more EcoNest, three “casitas”, one "Bluebird" and nine custom designed single family homes. The lots were all purchased by gays and lesbians, however we all welcome anyone wishing to live harmoniously in our non-traditional, LGBTQ community.

Today, in 2023, the community is not only a reality, but is thriving and growing. And, there are still opportunities for you to join our magical community. Although Bonnie has now sold all 44 lots she originally created in Phases I & II, there are currently some re-sale lots available for your future home. All of our lots have large pine trees and views of mountains and/or meadows. 

Birds of a Feather's community is more than beautiful property and a good location... it is the people who make the place special... “more than a place to live, a way to live”. Our residents have developed close friendships with their neighbors and lot owners not yet living here... they have all become part of our  Birds of a Feather "flock"! There are community gatherings, outings and celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and just to have fun... game nights, dances, ping-pong, golf outings, hikes with our four-legged friends, sharing homemade ice cream, sipping on wine, and when we get enough snow... snowshoeing & snowball fights! We are in the high desert after all... there are four seasons, but they are not usually extreme and the sun shines an average of 320 days a year!

Birds of a Feather Community is a short 30 minute drive to Santa Fe where there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, eating at world class restaurants and cultural events. There is a great Presbyterian medical center and ambulance service in Pecos and two hospitals in Santa Fe. Albuquerque is 90 minutes away and has an international airport and many more specialized healthcare options.

Birds of a Feather's LGBT community currently offers an electronic entrance gate for security, custom street signs, landscape lighting and split-rail fencing and high speed internet access through DSL.

And, as Birds of a Feather evolves and grows, there are possible amenities such as a community garden and maybe even a small personal care center with skilled nursing available for when we can no longer be cared for in our homes. Of course, the care center could also be used as a community center.