Gay vs Iran vs Transsexuals

I was at a party with some of my uni friends, and someone who is extremely intelligent, generally well versed in politics, and fairly liberal, mentioned that Iran had a near 0% gay population because they have free sex change operations.

I don't know if he was serious, if he was being sarcastic, or if he was trolling, but I was kind of appalled. I didn't say anything at the time because I didn't want to raise suspicions, but I would find it hard to believe that he would believe that.

Not to be disparaging to transsexual folk for which this is wonderful, but personally I have absolutely no interest in being a woman, and I do not see how this could "fix" my "problem" whatsoever.

So then I researched it some more. Apparently many gays and lesbians in Iran go through with gender reassignment surgery to avoid prosecution because homosexuality is a crime punishable by death.

Here's some background information:
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2008/08/26/f-homosexuality-iran-sex-change.html

This almost makes me sick to my stomach. As it is I have enough mental agony dealing with being a sexuality considered outside the norm, while still being satisfied of being a male. I just can't imagine taking that, and being forced to change to a gender that I DON'T identify with. I would much rather live the rest of my life alone in the closet then go through with that.

It in some ways reminds me of the tragic story of Bruce/ Brenda / David Reimer