In this three-phase exploratory study, we used participatory approaches with youth in a small Canadian province. Through iterative focus groups in school settings, we examined young men and women's perspectives regarding factors important to taking control of their sexual health behaviour. Youth aged 15-17 discussed sexual health through role-play, reflective writing, and drawing. This study provides a view into the gender and sexual scripts of many young people as they construct a repertoire of prevention skills. These insights can offer key understandings into the social composition of sexual risk, as well as the possibilities for sexual health promotion among young people. This is especially important for populations affected by socio-economic disparity. (Contains 1 figure.)