A transgender San Antonio woman went to Gov. Greg Abbott's re-election campaign announcement last week with one mission: to pose for a photo with him.

Ashley Smith, 45, accomplished that and then shared the image on social media with the caption: "How will the Potty Police know I'm transgender if the Governor doesn't?"

Soon, the post, which Smith said was intended to raise awareness about opposition to a proposed "bathroom ban," took off and went viral.

The post has received more than 3,000 likes and been shared more than 1,000 times on Facebook.

Smith said she hoped the photo helps educate others about the transgender community. "We're just regular folks," she said Monday. "We're teachers, doctors and police officers in the community."

Her photo with the governor shows "how ridiculous this legislation is and how it can't be enforced," Smith said.

Earlier this year a bill that would have banned transgender Texans from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity failed in the Legislature. But lawmakers will take the issue up in a special session, which starts Tuesday.

Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, has filed two versions of the bill for the special session: One is similar to the failed version, and the other applies only to schools.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made passing a bathroom bill a top priority. He and other supporters say a ban helps protect women and girls in public restrooms from predators.

Opponents argue the measure not only discriminates against LGBT Texans but it would cost the state's economy billions of dollars.

Some people have said that if the bill passes, it could hurt the Cowboys' chances of hosting the 2018 NFL draft. CEOs with 14 employers in the Dallas area, including American Airlines and Texas Instruments, spoke out against the bill Monday.

"I don't get why [Governor Abbott] is trying to stir up this hatred," Smith said. "I think we do need a bathroom bill. Just for one that would let transgender people use the bathroom of their choice."

Abbott's other priorities for the special session included approving a $1,000 pay raise for public school teachers, cutting local money to abortion providers and studying the causes of maternal deaths in Texas.

"His priorities are inverted," Smith said. "He should be focusing on property tax reform, not on where I use the bathroom."