A gay and lesbian radio station in Melbourne was sent a bomb threat.

Jed Gilbert took to the air this evening to reassure JOY listeners after a threatening email was sent to the station on Tuesday night.

The station managed to remain on air while the building in Melbourne was cleared by Victoria Police about 7pm (AEST).

At the time about 30 staff and volunteers were on site. In total, the station enjoys the support of more than 300 volunteers.

Earlier today it released a defiant press release stating that it would not be silenced.

“JOY will continue to remain open, producing radio, and welcoming volunteers who are passionate about our purpose and values," it said.

The station’s chief executive officer Tennille Moisel said there did not seem to be a link between the bomb threat and the program airing at the time, which was about gender fluidity.

“It was more of a general threat, definitely towards the community,” she said on-air tonight.

Gilbert said that JOY aimed to be fairly neutral on the marriage equality debate to reflect diverse views in the community as not everyone thought marriage equality should be focused on.

“JOY has always tried to maintain some neutrality to allow all of those diverse views to occur,” he said.

He said the bomb threat showed just how divisive and hurtful the public conversation had become, as well as the authorisation it had given people to be hateful.

The station has called for the Australian Parliament to do its job and pass laws to allow for gay marriage, without a plebiscite.

It also acknowledged the outside support the organisation had received, with hundreds of messages of support as well as donations coming through.

“I think our community can take solace in the fact that the majority of Australians are with us,” Gilbert said.

“They’re not going to stand this type of attack on what’s really the Australian way of life.”

“So whoever this individual was, their intention has failed, in fact it has increased our resolve, it has increased our strength as a community.”

Moisel said it was important to remember that this was a time for connection.

“This is the biggest debate that we’ve seen in the public space and (it’s) potentially going to drive the biggest adverse reaction to our community,” she said.

“It’s important for our community to support each other.”

The station already introduced tougher security measures following the Orlando nightclub shooting in the US but will continue to review these to ensure they are adequate.

“JOY will now remain on a heightened security alert, however, we will continue to remain open

and producing great radio,” the station said.