If someone knows you're on the celebrity dating app Raya, the first question they'll probably ask is, “Which celebrities did you see on there?” I remember this being the first thing out of my mouth years ago when a friend in LA told me she'd been on the app long before it was available in Australia.
For those of you who haven't heard of Raya, it's a private membership-based dating app that describes itself as “an exclusive platform for people in the creative industries.” Not just anyone can join, there's an application process that also involves introductions from other members.
During lockdown I decided to try my luck on the app. I didn't expect to be approved, and even if I was I didn't expect Ben Affleck (a former Raya user) to be within 5km of me and want to share my bubble with me, but a girl can dream.
I applied, waited, waited, waited some more, eventually forgetting I'd even applied, then last year I got notification that my membership had been approved.
I can only assume that they had a Black Friday sale going on or that an intern accidentally pressed “Approve.” Whatever the reason, I had a Triple A Pass, which allowed me into the roped off section. Here we go!
LISTEN: Watch Holly's interview with Katherine Mahoney about dating in midlife below: Post continues below.
Just like any other dating app, you have to choose and upload your best shots (I was so grateful to be able to upload professional photos from Stellar Mag), link your Instagram account, write a short profile, and link a song that sums you up. I chose “Don't Stop Believin'” by Journey with a bang. But I have a feeling you're not interested in the song I chose for my profile, you're more interested in the people I've met in the past year…
Let's be honest, there are a ton of creative, talented, and cool guys on the app. But the first real celebrity I spotted was actor Owen Wilson. I've been a fan of Owen and his brother Luke for a long time, both for their acting skills and their looks. I also promised my good friend and former podcast host Sarah McGillivray that I would share all my celebrity sightings.
The moment I took a screenshot of Owen's profile, a screen popped up reminding me of the site's privacy – no screenshots… I'd forgotten Raya's first rule! I thought for sure I was done and should have returned my AAA pass immediately, but maybe there was a two-strike rule and my membership was safe.
Over the months I've seen a ton of stars (unfortunately all overseas) from Chris Rock to Gavin Rossdale, Zach Braff to David Spade, Gary Dourdan (the hottie from CSI) and Matt Dillion, an actor I idolised as a teen.
John Mayer, who I worked with in the early 2000s and still love his music, is also there as a friend. I figured he would have lots of friends, but maybe he's trying to grow his 5.8 million Instagram followers to 6 million. I'd love to spend some time in the friend zone with him next time he comes to Sydney. We could get our nails done, go see a movie, go see the Banksy exhibition. Just a suggestion, John.
Watch: Mamamia Out Loud Dating App. Post continues below.
Comedian, actor and author David Williams appears several times, and his profile features more photos than any other profile I've seen, most of which feature him with his dog.
I'm a huge Downton Abbey (and Paddington) fan, so I was excited to see Hugh Bonneville appear on my phone screen recently.
But by far, my favorite is actor, comedian, and author Brett Goldstein. I love him. I have a picture of him on my vision board because one of my absolute dreams would be to write with him. He's so funny. I wouldn't mind snuggling up to his chest hair while he whispers Roy Kent's line from Ted Lasso in my ear (“You deserve someone who makes you feel like you've been struck by lightning”) — only during writing breaks, of course. No, Brett!
The award for the celebrity that makes me tremble at the knees the most when mentioned goes to Sam Heughan, aka Jamie Fraser from Outlander. Seriously, he is so many people's hall pass that it must be platinum status (if hall passes were cards these days). Many of my friends get very angry when I mention a guy in a kilt.
Speaking of being angry, I’m not sure how long my membership will be valid for after this post, so Brett Goldstein, if you’re reading this, the best way to get in touch about a potential writing partnership is to send me a direct message on my Instagram…
Have you tried the celebrity dating app Raya? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image: Instagram @cathrinemahoney.
