Stepping Into American Gun Culture: Miss Chinese Beauty Pageant USA champion Learns About Firearm Safety Education

On September 21, 2026, as the first signs of autumn began to emerge, the New York Firearms Association (NYFA) held an educational event on Long Island focusing on firearm safety, shooting education, and cultural exchange. Lam Joyce, the 2025 Miss Chinese Beauty Pageant USA champion, attended the event as an observer with her parents present throughout and in accordance with applicable age and safety requirements. Through on site instruction and safety demonstrations, she gained a closer understanding of American gun culture and the importance of firearm safety education within families and communities.

(Lam Joyce, the youngest champion in the history of Miss Chinese America)

The event was jointly guided by several instructors holding National Rifle Association (NRA) certifications, including NYFA President Lin, Instructor Ng, and two instructors named Wong. The instructional team focused on safety procedures, proper understanding, and legal responsibility. Participants were introduced to fundamental firearm safety principles, with particular emphasis on following safety instructions, maintaining appropriate safety distances, and respecting the safety of others. These measures helped ensure that the entire activity was conducted in a structured and orderly environment.

(Common Firearms)

The event also continued to attract community members from a variety of backgrounds. For some female participants who had never previously been exposed to firearms, this was their first opportunity to learn about firearms under professional instruction and established safety procedures. Moving from unfamiliarity to a better understanding of basic safety principles can help participants develop a more rational and informed perspective. The experience also emphasized that firearms are not simply recreational objects, but involve serious considerations of safety, law, and responsibility.

(Instructor Ng assisting Mrs. He Everlyn, President of the Miss Chinese America Selection Committee, with adjusting her shooting stance)

In addition to first time participants, members of the Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit with experience in community service also attended the event. The patrol unit primarily focuses on community safety and gun-violence prevention. Although its members do not have law-enforcement authority, participating in firearm safety education and discussions of legal responsibilities provides them with a better understanding of safe storage, lawful firearm use, and applicable legal requirements, while helping strengthen their awareness of safety within lawful boundaries.

The event also included lawful firearm owners who brought their family members, extending firearm safety education from the individual level to the family setting. For families who lawfully possess firearms, safe storage, preventing unauthorized access by minors, and understanding and complying with applicable laws are important responsibilities in everyday life. By participating in safety education together, family members can recognize that firearm safety is not solely an individual responsibility, but also a matter of concern for families and the broader community.

(Instructor Wong supervising members during shooting training)

(Member Mr. Chen assisting his father in maintaining the proper shooting stance)

For Lam Joyce, the event provided an opportunity to learn about American gun culture from the perspective of a young Chinese American. With her parents present and under the guidance of qualified professionals, she observed the activities and gained a better understanding of the rules, responsibilities, and legal awareness associated with firearm safety education. This firsthand experience also provided an opportunity for young people from different cultural backgrounds to develop a more objective understanding of the public-safety issues surrounding firearms in American society.

(Mr. Wong, Commander of the Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit, with Lam Joyce, the 2025 Miss Chinese America Champion)

President Lin stated that the purpose of NYFA's educational shooting activities is not to encourage unnecessary interest in firearms, but to help participants develop proper safety awareness through formal education, professional instruction, and community engagement. The goal is to promote an understanding of the laws and responsibilities associated with firearms and to extend safety awareness to families and communities.

(President Lin, who has many years of experience in law enforcement and safety education)

“Understand the culture, prioritize safety; respect the law, and take responsibility.” President Lin said this reflects the core message that the event sought to convey to the community.

(Photos from the Autumn Event)

Through safety education and rational dialogue, NYFA hopes to help more community members understand that, regardless of whether an individual chooses to interact with firearms, maintaining a proper understanding of firearm safety, legal responsibilities, and community safety is an important part of building a safer community.